Love My Enemies---Are You Nuts?

Jesus said, "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, that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you great only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Jesus not only taught this message but lived it. He experienced misunderstanding, ingratitude, and rejection. But, He was never bitter, discouraged, or overcome. To Him every obstacle was an opportunity:

• brokenhearted--a opportunity to comfort
• disease--an opportunity to heal
• hatred--an opportunity to love
• temptation--an opportunity to overcome
• sin--an opportunity to forgive

His uncommon responses to the problems He faced caused those around Him to ask "What manner of man is this?"

How do we react when criticized? Some people find fault as their primary natural response. Whether criticism is just or unjust, a person shows his true mettle by how he or she responds. It would help us to realize that there are times when we make errors and display shortcomings. In our relationship with God, we don't need justice, we need mercy.

In our relationship with others we should be quick to give mercy and slow to demand justice. However, the opposite is more the rule than the exception. This is true in many churches as well.

When treated in an unChristian manner or tempted to react in such. We need to realize that:

• everyone is fighting a hard battle with all the uncertainties in the world
• reacting in a positive, reassuring manner will produce better results
• there is no better way to represent Christ than with Christian reactions

So we need to not react to those situations that get to us, but do as Jesus would do---love, forgive, heal, and comfort.