Key Verse:

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…”

— Luke 6:27

Rooted Truth:

The test of Christlike love isn’t how we treat our friends—it’s how we treat those who are hardest to love.

Faith Story:

During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her family hid Jews in their home until they were arrested and sent to a concentration camp. After the war, while speaking at a church in Germany, Corrie recognized one of the former prison guards who had mocked and humiliated her.

He approached her after the service, now a believer in Christ, and asked for her forgiveness. Corrie later wrote:

“I knew I had to do it—the message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. And still I stood there… The will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. ‘Jesus, help me!’ I prayed.”

She reached out her hand, and in that moment, felt the love of God flow through her to him.

Loving the unlovable isn’t natural—it’s supernatural.

Scripture for Deeper Roots:

Romans 12:20 – “If your enemy is hungry, feed him…”

Matthew 5:44 – “…pray for those who persecute you…”

Colossians 3:14 – “…put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Daily Practice:

Pray for someone who has hurt or wronged you. Ask God to soften your heart toward them, and look for one way—big or small—to respond with love instead of resentment.

Daily Prayer:

Lord, I can’t love my enemies in my own strength. Fill me with Your love so that I can extend it even to those who don’t deserve it—just as You have done for me. Amen.

Deep Reflection:

• Who is the hardest person for you to love right now?

• How does remembering God’s forgiveness toward you change your perspective toward them?

• What step can you take toward showing them Christ’s love this week?

#DeeplyRooted #DailyRenewed

Devotions for a Grounded and Growing Faith