“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
~ Luke 6:27
The first time new Christians encounter this verse in the Bible, they likely think to themselves, “Say what!” Whether it’s the person who belittles you at the office or the worksite, the rich neighbor who treats you condescendingly, or the bully at school, the answer, the command that Jesus gives to us in response to such treatment, is to love them as we love ourselves and do good to them.
But how do we force ourselves to love someone? After all, Jesus is not looking for mere outward actions of convenience but actions based on authentic love that emanates from one’s heart. Malcolm Tolbert put it this way regarding Christian love: “It is a way of living with and relating to other human beings. We can act in creative, helpful, and redemptive ways toward people for whom we do not feel attracted– even toward those who are hostile and vindictive.”
I was 12 years old when my parents decided to reveal to me that I was an adopted child. While it did not change my love for my father and mother, it highlighted why my brother, grandmother, and many other extended family members treated me like an outsider growing up. My only living grandparent growing up even referred to me as “the other.” For years, I returned that same disdain toward those family members they held towards me. Many of those who are still alive continue to have to this day.
As time moved forward after I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord, I learned the value and importance of turning my aggravation and bitterness into love for those family members. It was not easy and did not happen overnight, but it did come to pass. I learned to forgive, and love despite that love was and likely never will be reciprocated. I realized that where their love or the absence thereof fell short, God made up the difference in my heart and in ways that go beyond what words describe.
I might add that when we learn to love our enemies, which never comes easy, to say the least, and do good to those who hate us, we realize that doing so prevents our hearts from being shackled by bitterness and hate. Instead, our hearts stay wrapped in the warmth of God’s perfect love. It is a beautiful reminder of the words found in Romans 5:8) which state, “For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” In other words, while man had disdain for God and totally disregarded His word, He died our death so that we might live His life. Wow!
When it comes to loving those who hate or otherwise persecute us, let us recall that Jesus willingly suffered and died on a cross out of love for those who persecuted Him. Besides, when our heart is enslaved by bitterness, resentment, and downright hatred, it obstructs our ability to be an effective witness for Christ, especially to those who need to know Him most, those who hate and persecute us. The Bible says that faith, hope, and love remain, the greatest of which is love. Therefore, love your neighbor as yourself and set yourself free.
Reference:
Tolbert, M. O. (1970). Luke. C J. Allen (ed.). The Broadman Bible Commentary (Vol. 9). (pp. 1-188). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.
Please share this today.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
© 2021-2024
A Faithful Sower Publishing
Limited Liability Company
All Rights Reserved
A Faithful Sower 
Leave a comment