KepThoughts (6 of 8): Hug Your Haters?!

Hey everyone,

I hope you all are doing well. I've decided to launch my own challenge, and I'm hoping it goes viral. Can I share this challenge with you? If I do, you're obligated to participate! Here's the deal: I want you to hug your haters. That's right, give your haters a tight embrace. You in?! Continue reading to see exactly where I'm going with this. You'll now have the recipe to the secret sauce by time you get to the end. I promise!

Today, we're talking about something pretty mind-blowing—loving your enemies. Say what now?? I like to call this the game-changer! In Matthew 5:44, Jesus throws us a curveball, telling us to show love even to those who don't like us. God, now why exactly would I do that?! I know in previous blog posts we've talked about God's love in us pouring out to others and loving our neighbors/communities but this passage in the Bible is a bit different. God wants us to love our enemies - people that you KNOW do NOT like you one bit. My husband would classify such individuals as, "people that would never pour water on you if you caught fire". Again, God why would I do that?!

Let's dig deeper into this revolutionary concept and why we choose to love those who stand against us. Jesus flips the script on conventional wisdom by urging us to love not just our friends, family, community, day ones, etc. but even those who consider themselves our enemies. It's breaking the rules, stepping out of our comfort zone, and adding a twist to how we usually treat people. This goes beyond the usual boundaries of affection.

Think about the impact of loving your enemies. It's not just a gesture of goodwill; it's a secret sauce. When we choose love over animosity, we break the chains of hostility, creating space for reconciliation and healing. This life-changing power is fueled by God's unlimited love.

Loving our enemies is a reflection of God's character. God's love is not exclusive; it reaches out to all, even those who may not be His biggest fans. When we show this kind of love, we embody the very essence of God. It's a love that seeks the well-being of others, no matter how they feel about us.

Now, here's where it gets even more interesting. The call to pray for those who persecute us adds a layer of depth to this love. So now I have to pray for people who don't like me!? It's not solely about warm sentiments but a heartfelt compassion rooted in prayer, seeking the highest good for them. In praying for them, we create a space for God's transformative love to work both in their hearts and in ours. Why do I need transformation if they don't like me?! These are questions that I've thought about many times before. I told you it would get more interesting!

Loving our enemies becomes a powerful weapon against darkness. Think of it like this - loving our enemies is like becoming a superhero, fighting against bad stuff with something good. It's a counter-cultural response that defies the cycle of hatred and revenge. By choosing love, we introduce light into the darkest corners, breaking the chains of hostility that bind both us and the category of people we call enemies.

Now, let's put it into action. Think about someone who isn't exactly cheering you on. They straight up do not like you and have made it very known. How can you show them some love, even if it's just a small dose? Challenge yourself to pray for them genuinely, wishing good things for them. See how this choice to love can actually change the game.

Dear God, help me to unleash this superpower of love on people who might not be my biggest fans. Break down any bad feelings in my heart, and show me how to spread love, even to those who may not be spreading it my way. Let my actions and prayers reflect Your boundless love. Amen.

As you rock your day, remember the game-changing power of choosing love, especially for those who might not be on your cheer squad. Let this love be your superhero move, bringing light into places that could use a bit more brightness. Go team, go!! I'm cheering you on as you take on the challenge - go and "hug" those haters with prayers, compassion, and love with all your might, God is backing you up. Now you have the recipe to the secret sauce!

I hope this sibling hug I recorded earlier in the month will encourage you! My kids are too cute!

P.S. I actually need a hug right now. I'm recovering from a stomach virus that tried to take me out completely but I'm still kicking - thank God!

Love,

Keps