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Love Your Enemies43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,--- Matthew 5:43-44 ESVBy telling us not to retaliate, Jesus keeps us from taking the law into our own hands. By loving and praying for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good.The Pharisees interpreted Leviticus 19:18 as teaching that they should love only those who love in return, and Psalms 139:19-22 and 140:9-11 as meaning that they should hate their enemies. But Jesus says we are to love our enemies. If you love your enemies and treat them well, you will truly show that Jesus is Lord of your life. This is possible only for those who give themselves fully to God, because only he can deliver people from natural selfishness. We must trust Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel love.--- Life Application Study Bible notesPrayer:Dear Lord, Thank You for Your unconditional love.Forgive me for my unforgiveness for others.Grant me the heart to forgive them and even bless them.I bow down today and pray for those who wronged me.Lord, I pray for their peace and healing.Help me to let go of the anger and hate against those who hurt me.Lord, there are times when You lift us beyond what we thought possible.Pour out Your perfect love in my heart through Holy Spirit so that I may reflect Your character to others.In Jesus’ name,Amen