Love Your Enemies

LoVe YoUr EnEmIeS

It never ceases to amaze me of the level of hate and anger I see on a daily basis. Just turn on the news and usually for the first 15 minutes, all you will hear is tragedy. Not all deal with hatred, but I can bet that at least half reports murder, assaults or some kind of other violence.

Hate and violence has been around since man learned move his arms. Even in the old Jewish culture, "An eye for an eye" rule of law ruled the day. If you did me wrong, watch out!; the boomerang was coming to back to hit you double! To hate one's enemies was the most natural reaction in the world. Why would you love someone who's always out to get you?

Along comes Jesus who in intent on turning the whole world upside down. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." What?! No wonder He got killed! You have to wonder if He was trying to get Himself killed on purpose! He was practically inviting His enemies to nail Him up.

But Jesus isn't God for nothing. He knew a couple of things we don't have a clue about. He knew first and foremost God's expectations for us miserable wretches. We need forgiveness all the time; not only from those close to us whom we hurt all the time, but those we hurt unintentionally and on purpose. We also hurt God all day every day, every minute of every day in thought or deed! How utterly arrogant and selfish of us to expect God to forgive and love us when we will not afford the same to our fellow man.

Jesus also knew what it does to the un-forgiver. I heard a medical report recently that concluded when a person harbors un-forgiveness inside, the body releases chemical toxins into the blood stream that an actually make us physically sick. The more you hate and not forgive, the sicker you will become. So un-forgiveness is as damaging to us as it is potentially to the person we cannot forgive.

Lastly, Jesus knew that hate cannot lead to joy and happiness. How can we expect to be happy with hate in our heart? Ever see those who practice this as a lifestyle? Pretty sad! They are not the fuzzy warn folks you want to hang out with.

So love them! Especially when you can't stand them and they have done you dirty! Listen to the advice of Jesus and forgive them. Let it go: the anger, the hatred, the un-forgiveness. Let it go and free yourself and them. Enjoy life again, instead of being bitter because the score hasn't been evened; God will handle any score keeping in time. Focus on life!

As for Jesus? Easier said than done you say? Jesus practiced what He preached. He made a lot of enemies who plotted to kill Him for no good reason. His whole life was above par; loving, giving, healing, helping, blessing and forgiving. Hating Him still, they falsely accused Him, mocked Him, severely beat Him and nailed Him on a cross and killed Him. 

Even as He hung on the cross; a mass of unrecognizable bloody tissue, gasping for air; dying; He forgave. In agony He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do". 2000 years after His death, burial and resurrection, He is still mocked and dismissed by His enemies. Still, they hurl abuse and beat Him verbally, hoping to crucify Him once more in hopes He would stay dead this time. Still even greater, Jesus waits patiently with outstretched arms...waiting...to forgive His enemies. 

Thank You Jesus! Thank You for making me a Jesus Freak!