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TODAY’S WORD…

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Jesus said,

“You have heard that it was said,

‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’

But I tell you, love your enemies

and pray for those who persecute you,

that you may be children of your Father in heaven.

He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good,

and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous”.

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– Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV)

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REFLECTION…

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For Our Lord, everyone is our neighbour.

He is telling us that we Christians should have no personal enemies.

Our only enemy is evil as such – sin – but not the sinner.

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Jesus Himself puts this into practice with those who crucified Him,

and He continues to act in the same way

towards sinners who rebel against Him and despise Him.

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The apex of Christian perfection is to love, and pray for,

even those who persecute us and calumniate us.

It is the distinguishing mark of the children of God.

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PRAYER…

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How many times

have I uttered “Speak to me Lord, Your servant is listening”?

How many times must I hear You, O Lord,

telling me about how You want me to love everybody,

before I get down to accepting,

humbly…without argument or condition…

to obey Your command?

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Lord Jesus, O Divine Mentor,

change my heart.

I want to love like You love.

Remove from me any hatred or prejudice.

Grant to me, Lord, the gift of obedience.

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For this I pray. Amen.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, guide me on how to love like You love.

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