Guided reflections:

1. Jesus stretches us in how we treat those who persecute us. He says, it is easy to love and pray for those who are your friends, but my love, AGAPE love, makes you stretch that love. My love not only loves you, but the stranger and even the one who is making your life miserable! Who fits in that category in your life?

2. Love does not mean that anything goes,,, that you just let others hurt you, but I think Jesus is saying for us to look at others as persons for whom Christ died – Jesus died for them as well. Pray for their forgiveness…. Their wholeness.. Their brokenness to be healed.

Guided prayer:

“Loving God, this is where the rubber hits the road in our walk with you. Do we have to love our enemies… but then, we know you sent your son to die on the cross for ALL – not just me… help me see those who mistreat me from your eyes. Right now, I pray for your love to touch and make whole these persons that I do not like: _________(list their names to God… and pray for GOD to love them.)