Christ Jesus, help me not resist and revile evil doers but love them…

Matthew 5:38 -48

 
When my main focus becomes resisting those who would harm me, and ridding the world of their evil by my own power, there is no end to the darkness, the depths and the death my soul can sink into. Yes!  I must resist the Devil that prowls around the world, so that he flees from me, as Saint James (James 3:7) counsels! But it is Satan who lures us into thinking that if we resist evil doers and stand against the people who hurt us or persecute us that we will be able to rid our lives of hurt and hatred.  Jesus reminds us, reminds me, to not get sucked into hatred of others for any reason.  Instead, He tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us – just as He prayed for those who crucified Him: Father forgive them for they know not what they do.  When I, too, hate the sin, but love the sinner, I too, like Jesus, can rise above persecutions whether they be great or small, and by loving and praying for even the enemies/ persecutors/bullies/grouches/liars that trespass against my person, I can live beyond the hurts of this world and perhaps help even those people find their way home to God.  In this way I can ‘grow into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character and reach for God’s perfection that is the height of virtue and integrity’. (Amplified Bible Matthew 5:48).  Will I grow up into the perfection of loving my enemies and praying for those who despitefully use me? Christ Jesus, help me not resist and revile evil doers but love them.   
 
It is the Lord who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.  (Psalm 103:2-4)
 
Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Human anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose. 
Letter of St. James 1:19-20
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca