This Road We Travel

This journey is by Devine design. 

We walk where, by God's grace, He has placed us.

Some have deep despair, poverty, and loneliness.

Some have loving families, roofs over their heads, and plenty to eat.

What is the meaning of all this?

Evil people have families they love just as the righteous do? 

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 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matthew 5:43-48

This is a hard thing, to love someone who wants to end your life!

But, isn't that what Christ did on the cross?

His sacrifice was the ultimate "love your enemy"!!

He gave His everything to save you!!

And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. - Luke 23:34

Lord, I pray that we are more like You everyday, that we let go of holding grudges, that we let go of hating others who show nothing but hatred for us. Expose Your truth to us! Amen.

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:19-21

32 "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. - Luke 6:32-36

God did not say He would not give justice to those who carry out violence against His people. On the contrary, He says "vengeance is mine, I will repay".