1 More Day... to Love Your Enemies

Even though I never liked the whole idea, I always knew there would be people who just didn't like me.  However, I never knew...until a few years ago...that there would be people in my life that hated me and wanted to destroy me.  

I am not made that way.  Don't get me wrong - I am far from perfect.  I get mad; say mean things about others and even have outbursts of anger.  But deep down, I don't want to hurt anyone.  I have always considered myself a lover of people - all people.  However, I obviously have some growing to do.  A friend once told me that when we encounter "haters", God is increasing our capacity to love.  

Some people are so easy to love. They are kind and loving.  They are good to me.  They encourage me, laugh with, and love me.  How can I not love them?  

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:43-44.

This is a tall order.  The Bible doesn't say, love your enemies when you feel like it. Because I can guarantee I never feel like loving them.  Nor does it say, love your enemies when they see the error of their ways.  It simply says to love them.  And pray for them. 

I have been pondering this a lot lately.  What does that look like - Lord, how can I love someone who hates me?  

I am drawn to 1 Corinthians 13 - the love chapter.  I am reminded that love is not a feeling but an action.  So how are we to love our enemies? We are to be kind and humble.  We are not to dishonor others nor be self-seeking.  We are not to get easily angered.  We are not to delight in evil but rejoice with the truth.  We are to protect, trust, and hope.  

We don't have to feel loving to love.  We must be obedient.  We don't get to pick and choose what commands we obey and which we don't.  We must simply love.  

How will the world know we are Christians?  By the way we love one another...even our enemies.  

And my capacity to love continues to grow ;-)