Love Your Enemies (MLK Day 2025)

Written By Cara Meridith

Open with Prayer: God, we thank you for this time together, for the technology that makes it possible, and the hearts that connect us. Be with us as we travel, join us in this journey, and help us see and hear you always. Amen.

Read: Luke 6:27-31

‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Ask: 

What do you think it means to love your enemies? 

How did Martin Luther King, Jr. also teach us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate you? 

Dr. King fought for the rights of Black Americans. They experienced unjust hate, racism, and discrimination. Who do you think he would fight for today, if he were still alive? 

How does Dr. King make you want to be a better person? 

What can your family do to honor Dr. King’s legacy?

(Parents and caregivers, there are so many great resources for MLK Day. We love this one from the National Museum of African American History & Culture)

Finish with Prayer: 

God, thank you for being with us on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  

God, today we thank you for: (something or someone you’re grateful for)
God, today we need your help with: (something hard or difficult you need to do)
God, today please be with: (someone who may be sick, sad, or hurt)
We ask all this in Jesus’ name.

Amen

Cara Meridith

Cara Meredith is a freelance journalist specializing in the art of story, particularly within the arenas of justice and religion. Her first book, The Color of Life: A Journey Toward Love and Justice, published in February 2019 (Zondervan), and is a spiritual memoir about her journey as a white woman into issues of justice, race and privilege. She has been writing professionally since 2013, and prior to that, she worked as a a high school English teacher and then a non-profit outreach ministry director before obtaining a Masters of Theology (Fuller Seminary). Now, in addition to being a freelance journalist, she is also a speaker and conversationalist, as well a copy and content editor. Think Cara might be a good fit for you? She'd love to chat, otherwise take a look at her writing portfolio.

https://www.carameredith.com
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