Scripture: Matthew 5:43-45 (the Message)
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.
Thought for the Day: English play write, Hanif Kureishi, shared these words: “Falling in love was simple; one had only to yield. Digesting another person, however, and sustaining love, is bloody hard work…” That might be the best summary of living in relationship I’ve ever read. It’s profound because it is honest. Falling in love is easy. It’s falling, and it takes absolutely no work. Staying and maintaining a relationship is like climbing a mountain, the absolute opposite of falling. It’s bloody hard work! Jesus doesn’t stop there as he challenges us to live in a loving relationship with our enemies. That’s more than mountain climbing. That’s mountain climbing with your teeth, except that you’re wearing dentures. It’s a challenge to say the least, yet it is made possible through the One who loved enemies until they became friends and followers.
Prayer: You love me, Lord, and you desire to maintain a life-giving relationship with me. As you have done great work, may I also be willing to do all that is necessary to grow my relationship with you. Amen.
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