October 14

Day 214: Love Your Enemies

Perhaps one of the more pronounced battlefields for a Christian is how we respond to the misfortune of an "enemy."

While the Mayor of Anchorage consigned to resign yesterday, it's the reactions statewide today that draw attention. His supporters are mum, while assuring each other that business goes on as usual. The only attack response remaining for them is, "Well you...!"

While the Mayor's detractors are quite loud in their glee, using this episode as a justification for their own priorities and beliefs. Each side minimizes their losses, and sees only gain in the losses of the other team.

Meanwhile, Christians (who do not, by the way cease to be citizens of this earthly kingdom) are confronted by what appears to be only two reactions, and are presented with a third way.

Matthew 5:43 says, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'"

This was said (by whom I know not) that seems to state the obvious human response. Love the ones who love you back. Hate, ignore, reject your enemy. Even rejoice in their misfortune.

But the very next verse is mind-bending. "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

This is Jesus offering, even commanding a third response option. An option that is neither natural or intuitive for any human being. Our desires for self-protection and the hope of being aligned with the majority position get in the way.

This may be, therefore, one of those commands given by Jesus that we simply and overtly choose to ignore. Because it seems to us to be impossible.

Jesus, however, leaves no wiggle room. In verse 48 He sums up the whole thing. "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

In other words, to be in relationship with God, we have to obey this commandment too. No option to do otherwise.

Now we'll agree that none of us can do this by ourselves. The ability, even the desire is simply not there...unless the Holy Spirit kicks in.

But, Jesus knows that. And, He also knows that we do have to participate, so He says, "...and pray for those who persecute you." Meaning, praying for someone you don't want to pray for is the seedbed for the Holy Spirit removing the hate from our hearts.

So, perhaps today we can consider praying for, instead of against the former Mayor of Anchorage. And not waste emotional effort celebrating his downfall. Not necessarily having to agree with his politics or policies, but seeing that he too is made in the image of God.

Because this is a pronounced battlefield for all of us. A battlefield with a signpost that says, "Love your Enemies."

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church | Juneau