I know that I shared this scripture last month. But in the last few days it has come back to challenge me! I had to share again.
What is an enemy, really?
Most people are familiar with the Matthew 5 scripture that challenges us to love our enemies…even non-believers. But can we honestly say we put this scripture into place?
I think that often we think of an enemy as a foreign country or someone we are at war with…my global than personal. But I don’t think Jesus meant just your global enemies.
Who are our enemies?
- The driver that cuts you off on the freeway?
- The neighbor who keeps letting their dog use your grass as its personal toilet?
- The person yelling at you on the phone?
- The kid that picks on your kid?
- Someone who cheats you?
Do you love them? When they challenge you, does it bring out your best or your worst?
I had an encounter this week that could have brought out the very worst in me. It was bubbling up during the conversation. I wanted to scream and defend and point out their iniquities. But I had a choice to make. I could scream and shout and “go there”. Or I could discuss, listen and hope this person saw some love in me; despite their behavior. I hope I did that. If not, I know I was a witness to the girls watching me as I had this conversation.
Love is not a weakness.
Not fighting back is not fear.
Holding your tongue or your fists takes greater strength and a 1,000 men possess.
In loving the “enemy”, you show the greatest power of all…Jesus!
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