44 But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?
47 And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that?
48 You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:44-48 AMPC
Love,pray,bless, & do good to enemies
Praise God for His Word! The words that Jesus spoke to us is active and alive. His Word is Spirit, Truth, and Life. This is one of the hardest commands that Jesus gave to us which is to love, pray, bless, and do good to our enemies. In order for us to walk in obedience to this command we have to really deny ourselves and put our feelings down. If we submit completely to the Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit we will be able to obey this command.
When people are done wrong or hurt by others they sometimes immediately want to take vengeance in their own hands. The Bible says that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honestand properand noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.
18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.
20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.
21 Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 AMPC
What about when people are trying to harm us? What should we do?
Can you love, bless, pray, and do good to your enemy when they are trying to harm you?
The early church followed this command and we can too by the power of the Holy Spirit.