Matthew 5:44 "Love your enemies and pray for this
who persecute you."
This is probably one of the most difficult things for
humans to understand that Jesus said. Maybe it's not difficult for us to
understand it; it's a bit more difficult for us to follow it. Jesus ends the Sermon
on the Mount with this idea. A most difficult idea indeed.
People back then had this idea that they were to hate
their enemies. It semi made sense because God had the Israelites destroy almost
anyone who was in their land so that they would not be tempted to sin. However,
the Israelites forgot that God also promised, through Abraham, that God would
bless all nations through them (Gen.12.3). The Israelites were God's chosen
people but that doesn't mean that God doesn't love everyone else. If Jesus only
died for the Jews many of us would end up in Hell.
No, the Israelites were to show God's love to other
nations. But they also showed that it's impossible to follow the law all the
time. They needed atonement as well because they sinned.
Now we have Jesus saying we are to love our enemies and
pray for them. Jesus loved those who railed against him. He died for Pilate,
who sentenced him to death. He died for the Pharisees, who tried to get him in
trouble many times. He died for the Roman soldiers, who nailed him to the
cross. He died for Peter, Judas, and all the other disciples who betrayed him.
He died for Saul, who persecuted his followers. He died for me, for you, and
for everyone.
Jesus so loved the world that he died for us so that we
can be with him. We were enemies of Christ because we nailed him to the cross
with our sins. Yet, he showed us the greatest love by laying down his life
(John.15.13). If Jesus can show that kind of love, why can't we?
So, do you show love to others? Do you love those who are
mean to you? How can you show Christ's love today?
Image from here.
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