Universal Utterings®
for June 18, 2024

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06-18-2024 Matthew 5 V4345 Neighbor love enemy hate enemies love not a mistake

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The Book of Matthew 5 v-43 thru 45

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

In Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus teaches, "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 children of your Father in heaven." This profound instruction highlights the transformative power of love and prayer, extending even to those who oppose or harm us.

Loving your enemies is crucial because it reflects the nature of God’s love. God’s love is unconditional and not restricted to those who love Him in return. When we love our enemies, we mirror this divine love, demonstrating that we are indeed children of our Father in heaven. This radical love breaks the cycle of hatred and vengeance, fostering reconciliation and peace. It is an active step towards healing and unity in a fractured world.

Furthermore, praying for those who persecute us is essential because it softens our hearts and aligns us with God’s will. Prayer cultivates empathy and compassion, transforming our perspective towards our persecutors. As we pray, we begin to see them as God sees them—worthy of love and redemption. This shift in view can lead to genuine forgiveness and a desire for their well-being and spiritual growth.

Additionally, loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us serves as a powerful testimony to the Gospel. It sets Christians apart, illustrating a kingdom culture that transcends natural human inclinations. This kind of love is countercultural and often perplexing to the world, opening doors for evangelism and deeper conversations about faith.

Remember, Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:43-45 to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors is not just an idealistic notion but a divine imperative. It aligns us with God’s character, promotes personal and communal healing, and powerfully witnesses the transformative essence of the Gospel. By embodying this radical love, we affirm our identity as God’s children and participate in His redemptive mission for humanity. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

06-18-2024 Matthew 5 v-4345

**Matthew 5 v-4345**

In the light of love, let hearts be pure,

“You have heard it was said,” the ancient lore,

“Love your neighbor and hate your foe,”

But a higher calling, Christ did bestow.

“But I say to you, love your enemies,

Bless those who curse you,” He decrees,

“Do good to those who hate you, pray

For those who spitefully use you,” in His way.

“That you may be children of your Father above,

He makes His sun rise on evil and good with love,

Sends rain on the just and unjust,” His grace,

A boundless mercy, we’re called to embrace.

May we reflect this divine, holy light,

In every action, be it day or night,

For in loving all, our souls are free,

Fulfilling the law of love, eternally. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

June 18, 2024 @ 04:33 AM EST

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