“Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: But a fool layeth open his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: But a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: But he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: But it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Proverbs 13:16-20 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.13.16-20.KJV
Pray for Who?
All throughout Jesus’ ministry, He constantly turned things upside down for those listening. The religious leaders at the time had grown distant from following the laws of God. Jesus’ teaching helped bring them back to the heart of the law, but He often did so through surprising ways.
Most of us probably think we do a great job at loving other people. But if we’re being honest, most of us probably spend our time loving those who also love us back. It’s a lot easier to love the people who we’re friends with. When there’s trust built over time and common ground, it’s easy to love.
Jesus says that loving those who love you is not enough. In Luke 6:28, He challenges us even further. He says we’re to bless those who speak negatively about us, and we are to pray for those who mistreat us.
If you’ve ever been mistreated by someone, or had someone speak negatively about you, then you know how hard it can be to love that person. It is hard to love unloving people. And yet,...