Good morning,
A thoughtful reading of the Bible helps us to see that even though this is our first time through life, the basic challenges of life are the same no matter who we are or when or where we live. The Bible is very clear about who created our world, God’s love for his creation and the importance of our choices in where we will spend eternity. Another important theme that runs through all of history is that godly people will always collect powerful enemies. One of our Enemy’s favorite lies is the idea that good people will lead successful lives and that they will be surrounded by people who will really love and care for them. He does his best to convince us that when people don’t like us, it must be because we are doing something wrong. For those of us who are involved in ministry, we are constantly challenged by what to do with all the enemies we have collected as we do what God has called us to do at his command and for his glory.
Jesus was very clear about what we are to do. He wants us to treat our enemies just like he does. He told his disciples that they were to “Love your enemies.” He wasn’t talking about an abstract love that lets us look down on them and pat them on the head. He said that we were to do good to them. In fact, he tells us that we are to lend to them without expecting anything in return. So if they need some of our time, we should willingly give them what they need. If they need some of our money, give them what they need. At this point all sorts of fears come flooding into our minds, but what did Jesus say? When we love our enemies like he loves his enemies, then we will be eternally rewarded in heaven by the God who chose us to live and act like him. God the creator is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. What he expects from us is that we will be compassionate, just as he has been compassionate with us. We know we can’t do that, but because our Father has given us his Holy Spirit, we can trust his Spirit to live out God’s love in and through us for God’s eternal glory. Dear Lord, may this be true of us as well as these early disciples.
P.S. I think it is important that we remember that Jesus never allowed his enemies to control him. He was controlled by his Father. What he gave and what he did was for God’s glory and for their benefit.
Luke 6: 35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Roy Wisner
