When we accepted Yeshua, Jesus, into our hearts, we became vessels of His grace. But let’s be honest: forgiving is hard. Loving our enemies? Even harder. We live in a world filled with hatred, violence, and division, so when we see evil unfold, it’s natural to feel anger, grief, or disgust. Yet, Jesus calls us to clothe ourselves in forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15) and show love to our enemies (Luke 6:27-36).
Jesus died for the most wicked of sinners just as much as He died for you and me. Now, that doesn’t mean sin goes unpunished — God is just, and there are consequences for evil — but when we turn to Him and repent, our sins are washed clean, and we are forgiven. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” However, when God pours His grace into us, it’s not meant to stop there. His love is designed to flow through us, transforming our hearts and spilling into the lives of those around us (Matthew 28:19-20).
In Matthew 5:14, Jesus calls us the light of the WORLD! Not the light to our peers or communities. Nor the light during easy times. But, the light through all things, especially when our flesh wants to hold a grudge, retaliate, or let hatred fester. In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus instructs: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Right now, the world is in turmoil. Hatred is running rampant, and injustice is everywhere. It’s easy to look at someone and see the sins they have committed, forgetting that they, too, are souls needing salvation. We are ALL God’s creations! If the Lord can see past our sins and grant us grace, forgiveness, and everlasting love, why can’t we extend the same to others? Many will reject the Lord, but that doesn’t mean we stop trying to reach them.
Faith is not about receiving, accepting, and keeping the gift of salvation for ourselves. It’s about GIVING BACK! The Lord wants us to use what He pours into us to impact others. When we refuse to forgive or choose to operate in our flesh, we withhold the very thing God freely gives us!
Yes, evil must be confronted, and we should speak out when we see injustice. However, Deuteronomy 32:35 reminds us, “‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (ESV) It’s not up to us to condemn someone to an eternity in hell. Like streams of living water, Jesus’ love should fill us to overflowing so we can pour into those around us. As 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 declares, we are Christ’s ambassadors, called into the ministry of reconciliation so through the Messiah “we might become the righteousness of God.”
Living as Yeshua’s Witnesses
So, how do we extend God’s grace to others? Colossians 3:12-14 explains it perfectly: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Today, let’s choose to be like Stephen, who got on his knees as he was stoned and prayed for the Lord to forgive his executioners (Acts 7:54-60)! If we only loved those who loved us back or forgave those who truly meant it, how would that set us apart from the world? It wouldn’t. Instead, Jesus challenges us to go beyond what comes naturally, saying, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36).
The world doesn’t need more darkness; it needs light. So, let’s shine the Messiah’s love into this day, speaking life and hope into those around us!
Prayer
Lord, help us be Your vessels, pouring the love and grace You so freely gave us onto those around us. When we are mistreated, ignored, or rejected, empower us to die to ourselves and walk in Your Spirit. Strengthen us to pray for our enemies and love without condition, so Your light will shine through the darkness. Hear this prayer, Lord, and soften our hearts, so we may acknowledge who You are. Fill us up and send us out as living testimonies of Your grace, mercy, and freedom. In Yeshua’s name. Amen.
