⁴³“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor. Hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴But here is what I tell you. Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. ⁴⁵Then you will be sons of your Father who is in heaven. He causes his sun to shine on evil people and good people. He sends rain on those who do right and those who don’t.”

The people Jesus taught thought it was okay to hate people who hurt them. But now Jesus said they should love their enemies and pray for them! Would they be willing to do that? Would you?

Think!

It is easy to love people who love you. It is hard to love someone who is mean to you. But think about how God loves you, even though you sin!

Jesus said, “You must love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Pray for people who are mean. Get help from an adult if you need it. Ask God to help you show His love.

You can pray like this:

Dear God, thank You for loving me. Help me love my enemies and pray for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen