Matthew 5:44

Let's be honest—loving people who hurt us feels impossible. Maybe it's a coworker who took credit for your work, a family member who betrayed your trust, or someone who still brings up old wounds. Jesus knew this command would be hard when He gave it, and He didn't lower the bar.

Start small: pray for that person by name. Not a prayer asking God to give them what they deserve, but an honest request for God to bless them and work in their life. You may not feel it at first, and that's okay—prayer changes your heart before it changes theirs.

Then look for one practical way to do good this week. Return a rude message with kindness, or speak well of them instead of joining the gossip. These small choices aren't pretending the hurt never happened; they're handing the hurt over to God instead of carrying it yourself.

Remember, God loved you while you were still far from Him. Every act of enemy-love is simply passing on the mercy you've already received. You don't do this in your own strength—His grace supplies what your feelings can't.

Father, You loved me when I didn't deserve it, and I need that same love to flow through me today. Bless the person who has hurt me, heal my heart, and help me respond with grace instead of bitterness. Amen.