Love

 ‭Matthew‬ ‭5:43‭-‬44‬ ‭ESV‬
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.43.ESV

Jesus was quoting the Bible, but also what must have been a common Jewish saying of the time 'hate your enemy'. To be honest, most people would say 'amen' to that. Jesus commanded otherwise however.

Jesus commands us to love our enemies. If we all did that there would be no enemies to be had. If we respond to hate with hate we're as bad as our haters.

We need to be the change we want to see in the world. If we want there to be no hatred in the world, we need to make sure we're not harbouring any hatred in our hearts. We need to pray for our persecutors.

Of course, Jesus practiced what He preached. Even on the cross, He prayed 'Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing'. He is the ultimate example and Saviour of sinners like us.

'Father in heaven, please help us to love others as You have loved us and sent Christ to give Himself for us. In His name we pray, amen'

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