Observation: As Jesus teaches about love and kindness, he makes this differentiation ... we are to love everyone and be kind to everyone - and not just 'love our neighbor' and 'hate our enemies' - as a sign that we are believers in Jesus. He contrasts this to sinners and non-believers. They "love those who love them" and hate those who do not, and that is therefore just normal human behavior. People who are opposed to Yahweh are loving and kind toward people who act and think and behave and live the same as themselves.
Application: This concept is probably even more important today, when there are large factions of people who a) actively declare that God doesn't exist, Jesus is a fraud, and Christians are delusional, b) profess that their causes are explicitly all about love, and c) will fight and hate anyone who opposes their ideologies. Jesus has been very, very clear ... this is the very normal human behavior pattern for those who have rejected the Lord.
We - all believers, but beginning with me - must not have 'normal human behavior patterns'. To the extent we do declare that God is love, and we love others as ourselves, that must extend to all others. At the very least, there can be no room for hate based on ideologies. There are differences, and we know there are people out there who would even destroy the truth about the Lord, but the hate in their hearts is no reason to foster hate in our hearts.
Where can I do better? I can do better by actively being kinder to everyone. I can just be patient and gentle. I am better than I used to be, but this is an area where continued improvement is possible.
Prayer: Lord, I do know there are times when I am in a situation and I feel your influence on my heart, calming me, giving me peace and kindness and gentleness. And I know there are times when my natural tendencies come through instead and I get frustrated toward others. My kindness come from me more and more. May I not be 'normal' in this regard. Amen.
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