We find humor in that because it comes so close to the truth of our own lives. Of all the things that Jesus commanded, the command to “Love our enemies” in Luke chapter 6 and verse 27 is perhaps the most difficult.
I may not love God like I should, but I’m determined to get a handle on it. I may not love my wife the way I should, but I intend to work at it. I may not love my neighbor as I should, but I have nothing against trying.
But, love my enemies? That is something we struggle with. They have hurt us. They have spoken out against us. They have threatened our self worth, our standing in the community and subjected us to mental cruelty.
Truthfully, I don’t want to love these people, but Jesus said I must. When someone wrongs us, our first instinct is to get even. We want to make them hurt as much as they have hurt us. Jesus tells us that is not the way He wants us to live.
He also tells us we must do good to those who hate us. We must bless those who curse us. We must pray for those who mistreat us. It may not be what we want to do, but loving our enemies shows others we belong to Christ.
It’s something to think about… tbp
Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com
