God continues to give instruction to his people in Exodus 23 on how they should live their lives. Notice how similar the scripture in Exodus is to the scripture from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount:
“If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure to help him with it.” (Exodus 23:4-5)
“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.” (Matthew 5:43-45)
If someone were to look at your life closely, would they say you love your enemies? Your enemies could include people in your life you don’t like such as a co-worker or classmate. Do you ever pray for your enemies?
We live in a very critical society. I’ve heard people complain about their friends,family and their bosses, and I’m sure you have as well. It seems most of us struggle with loving others the way God does. Perhaps our enemies would come to know Jesus if we prayed for them.
Spend some time confessing any sin these passages bring to mind, and make a commitment to pray for your enemies as well as those you love. Who knows? Maybe they will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior because of one of your prayers. The Bible is clear on the point that when we pray, God moves and changes the world. He’s just waiting on us to step out in faith and trust in him.
Pastor Rowena