LOVE YOUR ENEMIES…

Hello Divas!! I hope everyone is living their best life and practicing self-love and taking really good care of you.
Speaking of self-love, the older (or more seasoned) I am, the more I have learned to appreciate life, health and…well, me. And one of the focuses of our Fit, Fyne & Fabulous ministry is to encourage self-love, or love for self. It seems the more that I build on loving, appreciating and being thankful for the person God created me to be, the more I have begun to love others in my life (shocker).

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Here is where I came to this conclusion: I was talking to my dad while driving to the airport on my way to the FFF LA Live Conference (which was AH-MAZING). I was chatting it up about several of my girlfriends and how much I love them. I kept talking about various ladies in my life and I (unknowingly) kept saying, “Oh I love so-and-so…she is so amazing!” Finally, my dad says, “You love everyone”. I started laughing and said, “Oh my, I guess I do.”

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Now, trust me I hadn’t always been this way. I have come across some very difficult people. But God, time and experience have taught this one life lesson I would like to share and that is learning how to love my enemies.

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Matthew 5:44 says … “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

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I used to read this scripture and think, ‘huh, I can’t see myself doing THAT!’ But as I stated, somehow as I have learned to love Cil more, I tend to love others more. I think it’s because I am daily in awe of how much my Heavenly Father loves and forgives me. When I was young and dumb, I did awful things and hurt a lot of people, but He forgave me and many of those people have as well. So when I come across people who show me that they intend on being my enemy I truly pray for them and work to show them love; the love of Christ.

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Another thing I have learned is that people who are ‘mean’, or ‘hurtful’ have been treated mean and are possibly dealing with a lot of hurt. The one thing that they (most of the time) need is love.

I think, at the end of the day, we all want and need love. So I challenge you to try — no, practice loving your enemy and praying for those who persecute you.

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You never know, you might find your next friend. But for all the others, watch how God protects and shields you from them. He might even move them on their merry little way…out of your life (LOL). But no matter, you still do what the Word of God says, and He will handle the rest. Trust me, this will allow you to have that peace that surpasses all understanding and in the end you will be the better for it all.

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PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father
We are thankful for all you have done and are doing in our lives. Thank you for allowing us to live our best lives.
As we continue to grow and learn in this best life, help us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
Ultimately it is all about forgiveness, and we are learning to love and forgive just as you love and forgave us…but we need your help.

Thank you for your grace, forgiveness and love.
Amen

Cil

I’m Priscilla, native New Orleanian but currently living in central Louisiana with my husband. After living away from Louisiana for over 10 years, it’s good to be back in my home state. My spiritual journey has grown and developed over the years into an intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father. I love to worship and take time for daily devotion and prayer. A relationship with Jesus is so vital for living a faith filled, full life. My fitness journey started with FFF in 2015. I was overweight, sickly, and depressed. Within six month of support, coaching and love from this awesome FFF team I got under 170. I believe that with commitment, accountability, inspiration and prayer we can enjoy healthy, long and prosperous lives. I also believe healthy living is one of God’s desires for our life. He wants us to take care of the temple He blessed us with. I’m glad to be a part of the FFF team by sharing weekly devotionals and prayer; and I am excited about all that God has for us this year. Join us every Sunday for FFF’s Spiritual Moment in devotion, inspiration and prayer.