Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."
As Christians, we hear repeatedly these words from our Lord: Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you. Such a radical and uncomfortable command. How can I love someone who bullies my child? How can I love a family member who stole money from me? How can I love my abusive husband? How can I love religious extremists? Why does Christ demand such love for those who make a wreck of our lives?
As I grow wiser from age, I've discovered a little secret. Loving everyone, even those who make life unpleasant, brings about a sense of peace. Yes, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and a change in mental attitude to decide an enemy is not worth fighting with. Some "enemies" in our lives love the fact that they alarm us and cause disruption. What better way to bring down their negative influences than by showering them with the love Christ speaks of. Love that is unconditional. Love that is forgiving. Love that is courageous and enduring.
Maybe praying for those who persecute us can change their lives around. Maybe those ugly people in our lives have never been unconditionally loved.
Next time I instinctively say, "I really hate that person! He is so annoying," I need to take a step back and remember Christ's words. Love that person and not hate them. Set aside a quiet moment to offer up a prayer: A prayer for their well-being along with a prayer for my own change of heart.
-J.
No comments:
Post a Comment