In our current world we are faced with enemies everyday. Even if they aren’t our own, we see the pictures of their victims on social media, and we see the pain of persecution on their faces. We face enemies in our own lives whether big or small, and we are left with a choices. The first choices we face are whether or not to forgive which is a lesson in and of itself, but once we choose to forgive we are faced with what can be an even more difficult choice – the choice to love.
Loving our enemies doesn’t make any logical sense. I think many people confuse love with the acceptance of evil, and it leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of the victims. But, what I am learning is that loving your enemies actually brings you freedom. However, it is impossible to love your enemy if you don’t know who you are and how valuable you are. If you come at it from a place of insecurity, then you will find yourself constantly trying to protect yourself. You will see the need to point the finger at your enemy and hurl what may be “just” accusations toward him/her, but the truth is it will leave in you a never-ending cycle of pain. And, all I can tell you is that you were meant to live a life of hope and love.
The truth is that no one would bring pain and harm into your life if they really knew who they were – LOVED. People can only give out of the seeds that have been planted inside of them and that they have chosen to water. If they have been watering lies, then those lies now have roots and unfortunately those lies are only out to steal, kill and destroy TRUTH. Therefore, they will attempt to take down anyone and anything that stands in their way, thus resulting in spewing words of hate, stealing joy, betraying friends, rejoicing in selfish gain, living in pride, and the list goes on and on. People who have forgotten and/or have never known their true value will spend their lives trying to steal the value they see in others for themselves which only brings pain to both parties should the victim allow it to happen. (Please, understand that I know there are some situations where abuse is taking place, and I am not condoning or supporting any sort of abusive situation.)
This ugly cycle can stop. It stops the moment we choose to forgive. But, the best part is that the cycle is re-written the moment we choose to love. It’s the moment we pray the same prayers we pray for ourselves over our enemies. It’s the moment our hearts break for the people who are bringing us harm because we can see the pain they live in, and our hearts hurt for their lack of understanding of their true identity. It’s the moment when fear leaves and Perfect Love walks in the room. It’s the moment when jealousy is not an option and comparison fades. It’s the moment when Truth takes the throne and self-protection dies. It’s the moment of miracles. It’s the invitation to change not only your world, but the world of everyone that person will encounter because you care just as much about their healing as your own. And, the best part is that when you reach that place you find true freedom and hope. You can live without fear and worry. You can trust completely because you were created to trust the Living God, and He is the one who will sing songs of love over your life and protect your heart. He will look on you for all of eternity with eyes of love, and He will remember every promise that He has ever spoken to you. And, He will teach you about true LOVE to where you are so full that NOTHING can take away the knowledge of His goodness. And, no one can steal your identity because it was never meant to be given to you by man but by the One who has the Eyes of Love.
Today, I challenge you to step into love. Move beyond forgiveness and into love. It will look differently for everyone. It doesn’t mean that you necessarily will ever see your enemy again (or that you should), but it does mean that you can position your heart to pray for the pain inside of your enemy. It does mean that you can pray for healing and love to reach that person. Because if you have ever encountered true LOVE, you know how powerful it is. It is a force that cannot be reckoned with, and it has the power to change even the ugliest of hearts and make it beautiful. Love is in the business of bringing dead things to life.
Who knows the weight of the power you hold because you more than anyone on this earth have experienced some of the pain that your enemy has walked through because they shared it with you, so you have been given a gift to take that pain and pray for wholeness and healing in a way that only you can. Who knows what miracles will happen as a result? Who knows how many lives you will save from experiencing similar pain because you have chosen to love your enemy? Who knows how much hope and life will come as a result of your love? I guarantee that it will change the course of history. And, you will be part of a miracle story that sets you free and full of joy while unleashing a flood of transforming love on your enemy. I know that it might be painful, but you don’t have to keep that pain. You can give it to the One with the Eyes of Love, and I guarantee you that He will carry it for you. And if it tries to come back, just give it back to Him again. It can’t stay because it was never meant to be yours in the first place. You were meant for freedom. It’s time to come alive and step into love. It’s time to break free.
Becoming a Lover,
– The Lily
Luke 6: 35-38
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to 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. ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.'”
I AM THE LILY 