Genesis 13:5-15:21Matthew 5:27-48
Psalm 6:1-10
Proverbs 1:29-33
As if Christianity wasn't complex enough, Jesus tells us in Matthew 5-
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
At some point we ask the question, "What makes Christians any different than anyone else?" Here is a solid answer to that question. Christianity is marked by love! Now, I must confess that this verse is very difficult for me. It is easy (in my humble opinion) to go to church. Anyone can read the Bible. Prayer is not a complex task. But love.... now that's difficult! If Christians love their brothers and sisters, they are no better than anyone else in the world who does that same thing. Likewise, Christians loving their friends is not a remarkable feat. However, to love an enemy... well, that's unusual. I don't have a ton of enemies in my life, but there are some folks that I'd rather not relate to. Needless to say, I need a lot more love with these people. God is calling us to be extreme in our faith. There is nothing more extreme than being patient, kind, and self-sacrificial to someone that we don't like or that doesn't like us. The time has come to love as he has loved us!
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