“Love your enemies.” (Luke 6:27)
Doesn’t Jesus know how hard this is, how cruel the world can be? We’ve got enemies all around us, from the co-worker who lied to get an undeserved promotion to the fellow who just took my parking space at church. Isn’t it enough just to tolerate them? Do I really have to love them as well?
Yes.
Have you ever noticed how easy it can be to act kindly in public but still hold resentments and angers against people in your heart? Someone may have wronged us so badly that we wish nothing but ill upon them, even to the point of actively seeking to take revenge on them. These are the kinds of situations that Jesus can reverse for us. He can give us hearts of love and mercy. He can change us to such a degree that we are no longer stung by the prick of hatred and resentment.
How does he do this? By telling us an important truth—and telling it to us in a way that it sinks deeply into our hearts. And what is that truth? That he loves everyone just as much as he loves you. Think about all the ways you have experienced his mercy, compassion, and care. Think about the many times he has forgiven you and taken you back after you have wandered into sin. Think about how eager he is to bless you. That’s exactly how he feels about the people you find hardest to love. He calls them “friend” and “beloved” just as he does you.
The key to loving people we don’t like is asking the Lord to help us look at them through his eyes. Or to put it another way, the key is to ask the Lord to show us that we are all special in his eyes. The wealthy American is no more important than the poorest Haitian. The most hardened of criminals can receive just as much of God’s mercy as the noblest and most virtuous person. We are all loved, redeemed, and capable of the deepest holiness—all because of God’s grace.
Do you want to love your enemies? Then spend time today gazing at the cross. Let the Lord show you that he values everyone infinitely, even the one person you just can’t stand. Take that bold yet humble step, and watch the love of Christ soften your heart.
“Lord Jesus, reduce me to love!”
1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 23-24