If we are searching for a “religion” that makes us “feel good” -- one that gives us a free “ticket” to heaven without calling for too many demands and changes in our lives -- then we should not try to become a disciple of Jesus.
Yes, Jesus demands much from those who wish to follow Him. He demands, in no uncertain terms, that if we love Him, we must also love our neighbors. Furthermore, we must love our enemies!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies ...” (5:43-44)
Who are Our Enemies?
I am not talking about those who we despise or hate, but those who despise and hate us and want to harm us, either for personal reasons or because of our faith and belief.
Our culture says, “Love your family and friends and look out for them.” Why? It is easy to love our family and friends because they love us and they look out for us. It is an act of self-interest. It is a “no-brainer.” But Jesus says we must love our enemies.
Let’s be honest! It is easy to love people who love us and are nice to us. But to love our enemy is altogether another matter! Loving our enemy is just not something that comes naturally to us. It isn’t simply trying to think “good thoughts” about them. So what does it mean? Does it mean we must feel affection for them? Does it mean we should exert efforts to summon our emotions of love towards them? Not only is the answer to both questions “No,” to feel affection and emotions of love at will for our enemy is unrealistic if not humanly impossible.
How, then, Should We Do It?
What makes Christians different from others? It is treating others as God treats us -- with grace, mercy and love! Jesus tells us that our love for others, even those who are hostile and hateful towards us, must be extended with the same grace, mercy and loving-kindness:
- Act not on emotions but on love. The Bible says: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV) By being kind to those who wish to do us ill can break the cycle of hatred, and to give “soft” response to harsh words can defuse the atmosphere of hostility. It is difficult for our enemy to continue being cruel if we don’t react with anger. It lets the air out of the enemy’s balloon, so to speak;
- Do good. When we can find a way to do something good for our enemy, do it! The purpose is not to shame him/her (it probably will anyway), but because we want to try to find it in our own hearts to do so for Jesus’ sake. Solomon says: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-11)
- Intecede with Prayer. Ask God to help our enemies, to show mercy to them and to heal the hurts in their lives that might have triggered their hostility towards us. Our prayer for our enemies can break the power of revenge, and releases to us the power of love in the face of evil.
SO WHAT? (What will I do with what I have read today?)
Jesus say, “To follow me, you must deny yourself to serve others, to refrain from personal revenge even when justified, and to be honest and truthful when no one is watching. Above all, you are to love everyone!” (Paraphrase mine)
Yes, He means everyone, even our enemies!
To love our enemies is NOT easy; it does not come naturally to us; it is downright uncomfortable. But love them we MUST, because Jesus says so! God loves everyone and sent His beloved Son to come die for us while we were His enemies. So, unless we are willing to experience “discomfort” to obey Jesus’ commands, we are NOT ready to follow Him.
What about you? Are you ready to follow Jesus? Are you willing to accept discomfort in order to follow Him ?
Pauline Lo Alker
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