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NASB | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Prov 25:21, 22] |
Bible Question:
I have a problem in my life and I can't get over it. I've cried out to God for help and tried to get over it, but it hasn't happened. I actually truly and fully hate someone in my life right now. I have even questioned whether or not I am a true Christian because of this. I can't shake this sin in my life. The person i hate is very close to me and I can't seem to get away. I question if I am to be damned because of this hatred. Please someone answer and give me a place in the Word that I can go to, that I can find my way back to love and not hate. Lissamz |
Bible Answer: Dear Lissamz, Brother Doc has given you an excellent answer and advice. When we pray God to teach us love, give us patience, etc., there are instances around us challenging us about that. For example, when I ask God for granting me patience, my daughter will challenge me with her disobedience that sometimes drives me crazy :-( When I ask God to grant me a loving heart, there are people around me appear to be offensive and disgusting - again, my challenges. We can't be perfect all at once, but just get closer to His image bit by bit when we are submissive. The more we get closer, the more of His glory we can see and enjoy thus the more strength we get from Him for the challenges lie ahead. May I humbly submit the below prayer by St Francis for you to meditate on:- "Peace Prayer" Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love, Where there is injury let me sow pardon, Where there is doubt let me sow faith, Where there is despair let me give hope, Where there is darkness let me give light, Where there is sadness let me give joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not try to be comforted but to comfort, Not try to be understood but to understand, Not try to be loved but to love. Because it is in giving that we receive, It is in forgiving that we are forgiven, And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. - St Francis ***** Rom 5:3-5 ... knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Shalom Azure |