Loving Our EnemiesSample

Who is my enemy? Jesus was straightforward about the reality that we will have enemies in life ... especially when we become His disciples. Enemies are people who hate you, curse you, abuse you. They may strike you, harass you or rob you of your possessions. They are ungrateful and evil people. Yet Jesus tells us to love them and do good to them despite their injustices against us. The good news is that Jesus promises a benefit ... even a great reward ... that we will gain if we do so. It involves the invitation to participate in the honor of being God’s representatives, ambassadors and co-workers in His great mercy movement in the world. This is the kind of love that will ultimately put evil to shame and disarm many people who are at odds with God himself. He loves them and wants to win their hearts with His love ... that He demonstrates to them though our lives and witness. 

Do you remember how the priest in Les Miserables redeemed Jean Val Jean’s soul from evil by doing an extravagant kindness for the crime Jean had committed against him? 

Ask God to show you how you might return a kindness for an offense ... large or small.