“While still a young boy, a certain Christian formed the habit of praying beside his bed before he went to sleep. Later, when he joined the army, he kept up this practice, though he became an object of mockery and ridicule in the barracks. One night, as he knelt to pray after a long, weary march, one of his tormentors took off his muddy boots and threw them at him one at a time, hitting him on each side of his head. The Christian said nothing, took the persecutor’s boots, put them beside the bed, and continued to pray. When the other soldier woke up the next morning, he found his polished and shined boots beside his bed. It so affected him that he asked for forgiveness and after a time became a Christian.” (Green, Michael. Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Baker Book House, 1989. Page 157)
“The Civil War had just ended, and the opportunistic scalawags were busy lording it over their fellow Southerners. A hot-blooded contingency of die-hard former rebels gained an audience with President Lincoln. His gentle, friendly manner soon thawed the ice, and the Southerners left with a new respect for their old foe. A northern congressman approached the president and criticized him for “befriending the enemy,” suggesting that instead of befriending them he should have had them shot for the traitors they were. Lincoln smiled and replied, “Am I not destroying my enemies by making them my friends?” (Green, Michael. Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Baker Book House, 1989. Page 157)
Philippians 4:8-9 states, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Believers allow God’s love to bless you (John 15:9-14). Allow God’s mind, explained through His Word, to guide, transform, and provide you with inner peace (Romans 12:2; John 16:13; Colossians 3:15-16). Allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you (John 16:7) and mature you (Galatians 5:22-26) so that you are blessed as God is glorified daily (Matthew 6:9-13).
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…….. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? ……… And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48; NIV).
Stay focused!!