Reflection

“Loving one’s enemies requires grace — an inbreaking of the long-long-vision of a greater love, higher justice, and deeper acceptance beyond deserving. Compassion does not remove the rage or silence the outrage; it gives a prophetic voice of hope.” –David W. Augsburger

Prayer

God over all,

Your command to love our enemies is hard to obey! Obstacles stand in our way, be it the rage we feel in the face of injustice or the wrongs we struggle to forgive or even just fundamental differences we have a hard time seeing beyond. Despite our weakness, restore our faith in the power of your grace, which removes division and has already overcome every obstacle preventing us from loving in the way you desire. Freed by your love, enable our compassion for all people so that the ministry we share today might be a sign for all to see, that your kingdom is among us and advancing. In faith, hope, and love, we pray. Amen.

Call to Action

Are there “enemies” in my life that I’m struggling to love? Take five minutes today and imagine my heart opening to the grace I need to love them.