Word For Today: Friday, November 3 Bless Those Who Curse You

WORD FOR TODAY by PASTOR JESUS FIGUEROA

DAILY DEVOTIONAL * WWW.JESUSFIGUEROA.ORG

Friday, November 3

Bless Those Who Curse You

Topic: Forgive Those Who Curse Us

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)

Daily Reading Plan

John 1-3

Bible Versions:

Matthew 5:44 (NLT) — But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Matthew 5:44 (NIV) — But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:44 (MSG) — I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer,

Devotional Thought:

What great lessons are given to us by the Word of God, especially when we talk about the subject of forgiveness. Still, there are times that the counsel of the Bible is the opposite of what society and the world tell us. When we read that it is necessary to forgive, even our enemies, for many of us this is very difficult! It is something that sometimes goes against our feelings and emotions. Someone might ask, is it possible to forgive even those who have wronged us? To Forgive those who curse and persecute us? The answer in the light of the Word is a big YES!

Sure it’s possible to forgive, especially those who are in enmity with us. In Romans 12:20, he exhorts us saying, “so if your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink. Because doing this heap coals of fire on his head”. This is the complete opposite of what we would like to do when we are offended! It always seems that revenge and payback is the best path to take. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 reminds us, “See that none render evil for evil, but always seek to do good to others, and to all men.”

One of the biggest lessons of forgiveness is seen in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ when on the cross he declare these words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. And they parted his garments, casting lots “(Luke 23:34). If anyone knew the pain of rejection, suffering, curse and so many other things, it was Jesus! But with all this, his words were, Father forgive them. This should always be our prayer whenever we meet people who hate or curse us. It is possible to love and forgive our enemies! Trust that God will always give us the grace and skill to confront those who come against us.

Topical References:

Luke 23:34 (NKJV) — Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Acts 7:60 (NKJV) — Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Romans 12:20 (NKJV) — Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

1 Peter 2:23 (NKJV) — who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NKJV) — See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. (I Thessalonians 5:15 NKJV)