😊☀️👋🏻 Good morning, friend!

Pastor Blake here, ready to explore one of the most challenging yet transformative commandments in Scripture: loving our enemies. This isn’t a vague idea; it’s a tangible principle Jesus lived out. He extended grace to those who misunderstood, rejected, and even crucified Him.

Many of us know the sting of offense, betrayal, or ongoing conflict. Let’s lean in together and see how choosing love—like our Father in heaven—can heal wounds and shatter the chains of bitterness.

🙏 HUMBLE

Begin this time pondering the following questions:

1. What are you thankful for today?

2. What burdens, fears, or areas of sin do you need to release to God today?

Now, let’s ask God to help us find HOPE in Him today:

“Lord, open my heart and mind to Your Word today. Help me to see the hope You have for me in these pages. Shine Your light on every truth, and guide me to understand, trust, and apply what You reveal. May Your presence transform my heart and fill me with the hope only You can give. Amen.”

📖 OBSERVE

Now, let’s observe what God has to say in His Word:

Today's Reading:
READ: Luke 6:27-36 (NLT)

Reflection Questions:

1. What stood out to you most from this passage?

2. What does this teach us about God, His character, and what He does?

3. What does this teach us about people, including yourself?

Today's Devotional:
Jesus instructs His followers to do good to those who hate them, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who mistreat them. He underscores that our Father is kind to the unthankful and wicked, and we’re called to “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” This passage reflects a God whose essence is love—extending it even to those who appear least deserving.

We learn something profound about human nature here: harboring anger or vengeance only intensifies our pain. By contrast, walking in forgiveness and benevolence aligns us with God’s healing and redemptive purposes.

On a practical note, loving enemies might involve choosing not to retaliate when attacked online, offering help when it’s not expected, or refusing to let bitterness rule your thoughts. Each time we respond with compassion instead of hatred, we open our lives to the grace that changes hearts. This doesn’t always remove the hurt instantly, but it does free us from the destructive cycle that bitterness fuels. Such mercy can only be truly sustained by resting in God’s endless love.

💡 PERSONALIZE

Now to make this personal in your life, consider this question:

What is one area where God is encouraging you to grow or change?

📢 MY #HOPEDECLARATION

Create your own declaration of hope today!

“Today I will _______________________ because of Jesus Christ!”

Snap a pic of your #HopeDeclaration and share it on Social Media!

❤️ ENGAGE

1. Who in your life would benefit from hearing what you’ve learned today?

2. What practical way can you use what you’ve learned today to bless or serve someone?

🙏 STOP AND PRAY: 

Take time to pray through what God has revealed to you today:

• Thank Him for His blessings and faithfulness.

• Surrender your stresses, burdens, fears, and sins, trusting Him to carry them.

• Pray through what He taught you in today’s passage, including your #HopeDeclaration, asking for His Spirit to empower you to live it out.

• Ask for boldness to share today’s story and invite others to follow Him, praying that God would use your obedience to multiply disciples.

Let this time align your heart with His and empower you for His mission.

✨ READY TO GO DEEPER?

Take a few moments to reflect on today’s insights and how they apply to your journey. Use your Daily HOPE Journal to capture your thoughts, prayers, and commitments, and watch your relationship with God grow deeper each day.

Don’t have a journal yet? Grab yours here and start your journey.

❤️ SPREAD THE HOPE, GET A DIGITAL JOURNAL!

Your impact is just beginning! Every share spreads hope and brings more people into this journey of encouragement. Keep sharing to unlock your next exclusive reward and help build a stronger, hope-filled community. Click below to keep the momentum going!

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💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: 

We’d love to hear from you! To stay committed, reply to this email or head over to the comments section on today’s post to share your #HopeDeclaration. Let’s encourage each other in this journey!

⛪️ WHY NOT VISIT US IN PERSON?

We’d love to see you at Mountainside Community Bible Church! Join us for worship and a welcoming community every Sunday at 10 AM. Plan your visit below—we can’t wait to meet you!