Author: Aaron Brown
Some days I get so weary of all the conflict in our culture. News headlines, social media, and even some churches focus a large part of their energy on communicating who is wrong and how we need to stand against them. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place to stand up for our values. However, we need to remember that we’re not primarily standing against other people. The examples and teachings of Jesus give us a very different posture to take when interacting with those who are classified as our enemies . . . Jesus tells us to love our enemies.
This is one of the most radical teachings of Jesus. If we modeled ourselves after Christ our king who actually lived this, it would turn the world upside down. Right now, a lot of churches are known for what and who they are against. What if we started living lives so passionately bent toward who we’re for that when our communities were in crisis they ran to the church? This will only happen if we start to practice what Jesus preached.
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Jesus, Matthew 5:43-48
Who does our culture tell you that you should not love because you are a Christian? What does the word of God, and His Holy Spirit, say about that person? How can you show them the radically hospitable and redeeming love of Jesus this week?
“He Gets Us” put together a great blog and video exploring this topic on a deeper level. I encourage you to check it out!!
Website: https://hegetsus.com/en/love-your-enemies
Video: https://youtu.be/f5x1RyJOwP8
