You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

“Peacemaker in the Manger”

Not as an invincible, weapon-wielding king,

But as a tiny-boned babe born to die came He.

Empire might made right all around Him,

But the Nazarene’s peace gospel made righteous sinners.

Not warmongering or vengeance for a suffered wrong,

But the Savior showed another way—other-cheek turning.

Sword and shield crushed enemies of Rome,

But by compassion Christ conquered assailants.

Not apathy or hatred toward His persecuting killers,

But only bloody love did thorn-crowned Messiah pour out for them.

Armored mockers drove deep the spikes, raised high the cross,

But naked Jesus gasped final forgiveness as our Prince of Peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

—Matthew 5:9 (New International Version)