Mat 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
Mat 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Mat 5:45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Mat 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Mat 5:47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
Mat 5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
I see a picture of these verses in the story of Job.
Job was considered by the LORD to be a just man, he was allowed to be put to the test by the devil. His friends came to be with him trying to explain why he was so tormented in his body. The friends were agreeing that Job must have sinned to have been so afflicted. Their "comfort" added to the pain that Job suffered. I think in this we should learn that we do not have to find a reason and to put the blame as to the cause of a tragedy in a life. Often I hear "he doesn't have enough faith". Stop judging and blaming. Try to be a friend without the foolish words. In the end of the story of Job the LORD was angry with Job's friends.
Job 42:7 After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.
Job 42:8 Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.”
This was Job's opportunity to get even and to punish his accusers, but instead he behaved as one of God's children. He prayed grace for his friends and the LORD restored Job doubling his fortune, including an increase in his family.
Job 42:10 And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Job 42:13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.
Now we can see why it is best to pray for our enemies. You may save a soul and you will certainly prosper in your spirit, and be blessed in your needs.
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