October 3, 2024 - The great defense attorney Clarence Darrow once said, “Everyone is a potential murderer. I have not killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction out of obituary notices”. We find humor in that because it comes so close to the truth of our 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. Especially it seems during this political season when emotions are running high, tempers are on edge and rancor and vitriolic language seem to be the order of the day.
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.
I don’t want to love these people, but Jesus said I must. When someone wrongs us, when someone says something evil about us, when someone calls us names, 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 that we belong to Christ.
It’s something to think about... tbp
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