The Right Response

MAT 5:43-44 NIV

“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,

It is very convenient to respond to people who have met us half-way. We find it easy to love people who are lovable and approachable, people who have made it a habit to accommodate other people's weaknesses. We find it convenient to respond to people with whom we share common interests and pursuits. This is Fine, but unfortunately, not spectacular. This is the minimum standard expected of a world without the Saviour. The world thrives on reciprocal commitment- I do for you and you do for me. That is the world's attitude.

There's an attitude that goes beyond the minimun standard of behaviour and demands from us exceptional behaviour. We are asked to Love our enemies, and pray for those who despisefully use you. Talk order. How do you love someone who probably wouldn't rest till He/she takes your life? How do you show love to someone who's planning your downfall and celebrating your weaknesses? How do you pray for someone who treats you like crap? How do you wish a man well who does not wish you well in return?  Difficult questions but with a simple answer.  God does not expect me to do these things by my own power, that is why he's given me the Holy Spirit.

No amount of personal labour or strength can make you love the man who seeks to kill you. No strategy can overcome hatred more quickly than love, shown God's way. It is the strongest message a child of God can preach, because it is the language that all men understand, no matter the culture.

The way you love and the people you choose to love will show just whose child you are. If I cannot Love all men, no matter what they may have done, How do I prove that I know a God who gave himself up for our sins when we were the most unworthy of that love? What message am I passing across with my life? If I want the world to know God, the quickest and the best way is by my focus on love, the very nature of God. Live right, love right. His time of favour is here.