My Enemy

This week, as we continue the “Seriously?” series, we are going to hear some of Jesus’ most difficult words. Jesus calls us, even commands us, to love our enemies. Those who have hurt us, plotted against us, and gossiped about us. And if you are like me, you push back here. This is almost too much, too difficult. I think for Jesus, that is the point. Here’s how he puts it in Matthew 5v46-47 [TNIV]

⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

Anybody can love those who return love. But Jesus is calling his followers to be more than average, to do what is difficult. To love those we would not or could not love on our own.  It takes Divine intervention in our hearts to love our enemies.

Where does this land in your life? Is this as difficult for you as it is for me?

Let’s talk about it,

josh