I Don't Hate You Back
Did you know that (according to the word of God in 2 Thessalonians 3:16) being able to pursue peace, being known as a person of peace, and being able to get along with others no matter how different they are from you is actually a spiritual gift from the Master of Peace?
There is an anointing that rests upon the spiritually mature that enables them to see and seek the avenue of peace in every situation. Does pursuing peace and walking in love equal pursuing a relationship with people who are not peaceful? According to the Bible, the answer is NO.
The truth is that Jesus loves a lot of people that He is not in relationship with because of the state or condition of their heart toward Him. I should know; I was one of them!
So how do we handle people who insist upon mistreating us or viewing us as an enemy?
Jesus tells us in Luke 6:27-38 that we are to handle these kinds of people with the “energies of prayer.” Not prayers for Him to smite them or teach them a lesson, but to draw them into salvation while helping your heart to remain right toward them and, ultimately, with Jesus. When you act upon this word, you will treat others the way that you want them to treat you. You will pray for others the way that you would want them to pray for you.
Instead of becoming critical, you will believe and speak the best about them. Not because you want to prove a point, but because you desire to be like Jesus, the Master of Peace.
The spiritually mature grow to understand that, as believers and lovers of Christ Jesus, we are called to live by assignment; not by feelings. If I am assigned to love someone, I want to love them whether it is returned or not. After all, isn’t that what Jesus did for you and me?
Jesus is our greatest example, and His love should be our highest goal and greatest quest in life.
“May the Master of Peace Himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you!”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (MSG)
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard times, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.”
Luke 6:27-30 (MSG)