Observation: Jesus gives very clear instructions in this version of the sermon on the mount ... Love your enemies. This is the "turn the other cheek" lesson. When people mistreat us, as believers, we are not to respond with anger. We are not to repay hostility with hostility. We are not even to simply turn and walk away. We are supposed to love these people who hate and attack us, giving to them what they would try to take and even more.
Application: Even after five and a half years, I struggle with this lesson. I tried to live it out at the time, and I still try today, but ... wow, is this hard. In my heart, I find it nearly impossible to 'love' those that have mistreated me. I can avoid taking action (no payback), but it is hard to imagine how I should give to them in the midst of their hatred and attacks against me.
I see so much general angst in the world, and much is directed at people "like" me. I want to give love in return, but I struggle to passively absorb such vitriol, even when it isn't specific to me personally. My only hope is really to trust Jesus, and further trust in every promise of joy, hope, love, peace, and blessing.
Yes, I have received all those things, and I don't deserve any of them. I have also received hate, abuse, deceit, accusations, and lies when I didn't deserve them. That is certainly Jesus' point ... absorb the evil that humans dish out, because you will receive the love the Lord dishes out. This remains my comfort.
Prayer: Lord, I struggle with many things in life, and this is one of them. Please, dear Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and through Jesus Christ as my redeemer and master, may my heart truly soften, truly be at peace, and truly live as you would teach. I want to love my enemies, and simply be generous even when they hate. In your great name, I desire to do your will on earth, and bring your kingdom near. Amen.
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