God desires to “grow us up” — His will is to mature us so that we grow beyond our natural response to offenses. One of the first steps is that we allow Him to change our mind and give us a new perspective on offenses. As we respond correctly to the tests and pressures that come, this brings maturity in our lives.

As you reflect on this command, it is key to understand that God desires to use us as channels to minister His life to our enemies. How amazing it is that as we lay our lives down to the Lord, He is able to replace our attitudes of selfishness and self-protection with the life of His Son! Only through Him is it possible to overcome evil with good.