As we go through life, if we are trying to live the right way and stand for the right principles, it will not be long before we experience persecution (2 Tim. 3:12) and develop enemies (Gal. 4:16).  In fact the Scripture gives us a somewhat counter intuitive warning or caution when it says “woe unto you when all men speak well of you…” (Luke 6:26).  These enemies will come from within and without (2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 4:14).  They may manifest themselves by physical attack (Acts 7:54-60)  or as the Psalmist recorded “ the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me; they have spoken against me with a lying tongue, they compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without cause” (Psalms 109: 2-3).

When this happens, what are we to do?  We must “love your (our) enemies, do good to them that hate you (us), Bless them that curse us, pray for them that despitefully use us” (Luke 6:27-28).

Jesus (Luke 23:34) and David (Psalms 109:4) set the standard.  Will we have the courage to follow in their steps (1 Peter 2:21)?

 

How God Saves – Keep the Faith