Most people would say it is easy and natural to reciprocate love to someone who loves you and treats you well. We will often go to great lengths to actively show our affection to those we care for no matter the cost. But what about people who dislike, hurt or persecute you - or even hate you? In our flesh, it is difficult to return love for hate, and kindness for cruelty, but that is exactly what Jesus calls us to do! Christ showed only love to his enemies at all times, even washing Judas' feet while knowing that he would betray him the following day. Jesus loved us and died for us when we were still his enemies and did not know him. He demonstrates true, unconditional love as an example of Christian love for those who follow him. We are not to love as the world loves, but to love exceptionally as Jesus did. The bar has been raised!
What does repentance have to do with a pure heart? How does a pursuit of purity produce holiness? As we dive into the battle...