When Jesus said we are to love our ENEMIES, he wasn’t just referring to those who actively hate us. Our “enemies” include those we don’t like, don’t agree with politically, or oppose because of their lifestyle choices. And it includes those who try to take advantage of us.
Our enemies are those who make us uncomfortable, angry and mad. Our enemies are the very people we love to HATE!
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that” (Matthew 5:43, The Message).
—Written by Rich Dubose
Originally published at http://whenpeoplearekind.weebly.com