Jesus has a lot to say about enemies. Jesus had real enemies, so he knew what he was talking about.
Take a moment to read Matthew 26:47 - 56 | 1 Peter 3:8 – 9
While no one is currently trying to throw me into a den of lions, or burn me at the stake, or convict me of treason because I profess Jesus Christ as my Lord, there are a lot of people who are hard to get along with. Perhaps you know some of them? These people really test our claims of loving God!
In general, most of us put people into one of three buckets.
Bucket #1 is filled with people who love us, and we love back. They are encouraging and supportive.
Bucket #2 is full of people who exist all around us that may not be our biggest fan; they may not actually love us. Because Bucket #2 people don’t really know us, they can trigger feelings in us of being inferior, anxious, jealous, or a whole host of other emotions.
Bucket #3 is filled with people who really do seem to hate us and are actively working against us. We like to keep this bucket nailed shut and locked away. When we avoid these people, it makes living as a Christian more pleasant. Besides, God doesn’t want us to be around people who bring us down. Right?
Jesus never said anything that inferred we’d be given an easy life of following him. Our actions – and reactions – with people who really bug us and get on our nerves are what prove the sincerity of our faith. And nothing can prove or disprove faith like our encounter with a bucket #2 or #3 person! However, it is precisely in these areas that Jesus is very concerned about how we live. So, how does Jesus instruct us when it comes to these people in our lives?
As we move through Holy Week and head into the events remembered on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, we see Jesus model for us mercy. He teaches us to be merciful. Of course, it is great being on the receiving end of mercy, but it is quite another thing to be the one extending it. Mercy is described well as “forbearance towards an offender and forgoing a judgment or sentencing that was deserved.” Not cursing a thoughtless driver who steals our parking space is a demonstration of mercy. Setting down our anger at the foot of the cross is another way we follow Jesus. Mercy is often shown by action restrained. Jesus continues to stretch and refine our faith with the command to bless and pray for those who curse us - to those who are enemies.
We are to bless and pray!
This is not normal behavior. Jesus even goes further by stating we are to do good and to forgive our enemies. This is behavior that only comes from the Spirit of God guiding us. Inaction and avoidance are never options with Jesus. Neither is resentment or bitterness. Nor judgment. What was Jesus’ last word of instruction regarding bucket #2 and bucket #3 people?
Love. It was and always will be love.
The events of this week remind us that Jesus had a lot of experience living what he taught and perfectly exemplifying these actions throughout his life – even until he breathed his last breath. Jesus is our best and primary example in relating to our adversaries and enemies alike. He had real enemies who would rather see him dead than alive. Jesus still has enemies today, and he still treats them the same. With love. Period.
You and I were once enemies of God. We were dead in sin and unresponsive to the voice of God. We were definitely in bucket #3; and how did God relate to us? God offered the following:
- Mercy, not retaliation.
- Blessing, instead of curse.
- Prayer, not gossip.
- Good, over evil.
- Forgiveness, not a grudge.
- Love, that draws closer instead of avoiding difficult situations and people.
So, as we remember his life, death and resurrection, let us ask ourselves this vital question: How can I withhold love and mercy from bucket #2 and bucket #3 people what has been so freely and abundantly given to me?
Reflect
- In what ways do you “curse” others? Words? Thoughts? Actions? Identify blessings you could give today in place of curses.
- How did Jesus love his enemies? Name and put into action specific ways you can show love to your enemies this week.
Pray
Lord, I ask you to forgive me for not loving my enemies. Fill my heart with courage to love everyone – even and especially those that are hardest for me to love. Amen.
