Fields United Methodist Church

Day 46.  Take Time to Be Holy

June 3, 2020

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Matthew 5:44

Read:  Matthew Chapter 5

When our church responded to the needs of those struck by the massive tornado that impacted the town of Joplin, Missouri, we were struck as well by the devastation, the loss of life, livelihood, and property. As we gathered as a team in the church that was hosting us, I stopped by its library on the way to the sanctuary and began reading a book prominently displayed on a shelf. There was a quote at the beginning by someone who wrote, “be kind; everyone is fighting a battle.” Consider those words as Jesus calls you to pray for those who persecute you, misunderstand you, and even hate you. Jesus is saying all life, including those that are misunderstood, despised and even those filled with hate and animosity need prayer for their lives to be transformed by God’s grace. We do not fully know the battles others may be fighting but by faith we are convinced that God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can heal even those we may deem our enemy. Prayer has the power to heal, to transform, and to break down the barriers that separate the people of God from one another. In a world that that tends to criticize more than understand, to divide rather than come together, and condemn without first offering compassion, it is time to be kind to one another and past time to pray even for those we do not know nor understand. Prayer does have the power to heal, both those who have been mistreated and those who are mistreating. Prayer can heal the unrighteous and self-righteous. Jesus raises the standard of “loving our neighbor” to include all for whom he died. Prayer transforms lives. During this season of pandemic, people have been challenged in many different ways. In this season of unrest, people have been affected by the judgment and hatred of others. Be kind and pray; God is big enough, gracious enough and strong enough to heal, transform, and renew all life.

Prayer:  Jesus, help me to understand those I do not understand, disagree with, or those who mistreat me. Strengthen my prayer life so I can for all people, no matter a friend or not. Amen