1-Minute Devotion for Thursday, 10/1/26
Sometimes, people change God’s Word just a little to make it say what they want it to say.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” Matthew 5:43-46
This correction came as a result of the Jews changing Leviticus 19:18 from
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” to “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”
Because they had suffered so much oppression from their enemies, they decided it was God’s will to love Jews but hate everybody else!
But God said what He meant and meant what He said. God’s Word is true. You can put complete trust in His Word.
“May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.” Psalm 119:41-42
In His Love, Cindy
To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic
The Lord appeared to Abram and said, … “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you…” Genesis 17:7 (emphasis mine)
All Scriptures from the NIV. Emphasis mine.
RealChristianWomen.blog
Excellent post Cindy, worth meditating upon. How we respond to others who hate us is an opportunity to let God’s light shine through us for others to see. May He continue to guide and bless you today my friend and sister 🙏
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Thank you, Alan. I love the verses from Psalm 119:41-42. Sometimes we need to be prepared when we know we are going to be with someone who is our enemy. God bless you my friend and brother! 🙏
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What you’ve written here is a needed reminder that Jesus doesn’t simply correct a misunderstanding—He confronts a distortion. The call to love our enemies isn’t a soft suggestion; it’s a radical reorientation of the heart that only the Spirit can produce. I appreciate how you highlight the way Israel’s suffering shaped their misreading of Leviticus. It’s honest. Pain often tempts us to rewrite God’s commands in ways that feel more manageable.
But Jesus doesn’t let us do that. He pulls us back to the Father’s character—His generosity, His impartiality, His mercy that falls like rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. Loving enemies isn’t about fairness; it’s about reflecting the God who loved us when we were still His enemies.
Your use of Psalm 119 is spot‑on. Trusting God’s Word is what steadies us when we’re face‑to‑face with someone who wounds, mocks, or opposes us. Enemy‑love isn’t natural, but it becomes possible when our confidence rests in the One whose unfailing love comes first.
This is the kind of reminder the church needs: not sentimental kindness, but a call to embody the Gospel in the hardest places—where love feels least deserved and most supernatural.
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Thank you, Michael. You have added many good thoughts to the post. I really liked: “This is the kind of reminder the church needs: not sentimental kindness, but a call to embody the Gospel in the hardest places—where love feels least deserved and most supernatural.” Even if we don’t show hate, we tend to totally ignore such people and avoid them at all cost. Jesus’ words about loving your enemy demand our attention, meditation, and prayer. God bless you today, Michael, as you serve our precious Savior!
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Thanks for the gentle reminder!
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I know I needed it! Blessings, Mary!
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