These words of Romans 12:15-20 give a vivid description of what it looks like to love your neighbor as yourself:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This is a simple teaching, but not an easy one. It’s easy to love people who love us. Anyone can do that. God wants us to take our love deeper and further than what comes naturally to us. He wants us to take our love to our enemies. Those who say mean things about us. Those who do us harm. We are to show them love and even bless them. This can only be done through prayer and being filled with the Spirit of God.
Ask the Lord to help you love today. Even to love your enemies. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit and give you peace in your heart do to this. And then watch Him work as He changes your hate to love.
