Radical Love

 

     Jesus asks us to love in a radically different way than we would naturally, without Him and His Holy spirit. Without them, we are filled with anger, with pride, with unforgiveness, with competitiveness, with an attitude that we are better than others.

     Christ, through His example, through His living Word, through prayer, through His Spirit, gives us the ability to grow in spiritual wisdom, to grow in love, even to the point of loving our enemies. What? I can’t do that, can you?

     With His help, we can. Listen to the very words of Christ, giving us advice on what to do with our enemies.

But love your enemies. Do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Luke 6:35

     But, did you see what he did? Did you hear what she said? He drives me crazy! I can’t stand her!

     We feel and say and question. How? With Christ. He was kind to us. He saved us when we lived so far apart from God. He is humble and kind and generous and compassionate. Let’s try. We represent Him. What do others see in you that represents Jesus? Let it be love.

     As we struggle with all of this, remember. God is the one to hand out justice. He is the one who sees the heart and He is the one who will seek vengeance one day for His children. As we do good, even to our enemies, He will work it all out.

On the contrary, when your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Romans 12:20

     Now, that’s more like it! God will take care of evil, in its time. For now, we are to reach out to everyone in the name of Jesus and His love.

Lord,

You understand our emotions, our minds and our sinful hearts. We want to be more like You, but some days it seems to be impossible! When we love our enemies, you will handle the rest. We love You and we want to love like You.

In Jesus name,

Amen