Today's Devotions

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Showcase: Assorted Treats

  • Foolish Device of My Own +

    Refuge O Lord,Whose power is infinite and wisdom infallible, order things that they may neither hinder, nor discourage me, nor Read More
  • Contemplating Perfection +

    Grace Active O God, may Thy Spirit speak in me that I may speak to Thee. I Lord Jesus, great Read More
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bonhoeffer 3Words and thoughts are not enough. Doing good involves all the things of daily life. "If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink" (Romans 12:20).

In the same ways that brothers and sisters stand by each other in times of need, bind up each other's wounds, ease each other's pain, love of the enemy should do good to the enemy. Where in the world is there greater need, where are deeper wounds and pain than those of our enemies? Where is doing good more necessary and more blessed than for our enemies?

Biblical Wisdom
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." Luke 6:27-28

Questions to Ponder
Does it seem counterintuitive to "do good to the enemy"? Why, or why not?
Why should the needs of our enemies matter to us?
What happens to the word "enemy" if we follow Bonhoeffer's advice and treat them like brothers and sisters?


Psalm Fragment
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is always with me. Psalm 119:98

Journal Reflections
Does Jesus command to: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you" give you strength and vision for living in the midst of enemies? Why, or why not?
Jesus teaching seems to call for non-violence in dealing with our enemies. Reflect in writing what you think about that.


Intercessions
Pray that your "enemies" might receive every good from the hand of God and in response become instruments of God's love and justice.

Prayer for Today
Holy God who loves us all with an everlasting love, let my love for my enemies be a matter not only of words or thoughts but of specific and concrete actions.

40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Copyright © 2007 Augsburg Books, imprint of Augsburg Fortress.

Reflections to Consider

  • Warfare Spirituality

    The Trinity function as farmers of our souls, actively caring for God’s creation: an ongoing, radical reclamation of His creation. Read More
  • Corporate Spirituality

    Encouragement, Accountability, and Worship Solitude, community and ministry are three areas requiring balance and integration in the Christian walk. The Read More
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Publications

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Music

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Praise Adonai by Paul Baloche +

    Who is like Him The Lion and the Lamb Seated on the throne Mountains bow down Every ocean roars To the Lord of hosts  Read More
  • An Interview with Paul Washer by Tim Challies +

    You probably know Paul Washer as the man who preached the infamous "Shocking Youth Message," a sermon that has tallied Read More
  • Glorious by Paul Baloche +

    Look inside the mysterySee the empty crossSee the risen SaviorVictorious and strong Read More
  • Paul's Prayers +

    How do we pray? What should we pray for? Yes, there is the Lord's prayer--Jesus teaching his disciples, and us, Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Joy Will Find A Way: Bruce Cockburn +

    Bruce Cockburn’s song Joy Will Find A Way describes the way joy from love can transform one’s life. make me Read More
  • Shepherd's Joy by Luther Jackson Middle School Advanced Chorus +

    Read More
  • Joy to the World! by Surfjan Stevens +

    Joy to the World , the Lord is come!Let earth receive her King;Let every heart prepare Him room,And Heaven and nature Read More
  • The joy of the Lord is my strength by Douglas Miller +

    The joy of the LORD is my strengthThe joy of the LORD is my strengthThe joy of the LORD is Read More
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