Jesus makes this astounding statement in Matthew 5:44–45: “I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you . . . that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” God expects you to love the unloving, just as He loved you when you were lost in sin. God’s love is never deserved—it simply is.
It is natural for you to expect that when you are nice to others, they will return the kindness, right? Wrong! And you probably have the scars to prove it. Yet Jesus said, without exception, “Love one another; as I have loved you.”
Love is the sacrifice of self for the sake of your family and even your enemies.
RESPONDLord, it is hard to care about those who don’t care in return. But with Your help and by Your grace, I will look at each of these people through Your eyes of love—Your unconditional love. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCESA Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible – this brand new resource is filled with daily devotions, wisdom articles, biographies, and more to draw you to God’s Word and give you hope, wisdom, and understanding.
REFLECT“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
Is my heart hard toward a friend or family member? I’ll begin to love them by praying for them right now.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
by Elizabeth George February 07, 2023
by Elizabeth George January 31, 2023
I know from personal experience that living a life of prayer is not easy. Our lives are filled with a multitude of activities that tend to crowd out time for prayer. How many times have you been guilty of telling someone that you would pray for them? Your heart genuinely yearned to be a part of bringing their need before the throne of God. And then what happened? I’m sure that, if you’re like me, more times than you would like to admit, you forgot about the promise to pray before you rounded the corner of the church building! Why? Because you didn’t write the request down.
by Elizabeth George January 24, 2023 1 Comment
Paul knew the importance of strategic prayer in his own life and the lives of others. And he knew what to pray for. His prayers focused on spiritual issues. He knew that if those he was praying for were spiritually mature, they could handle anything.