Matthew 5:43-44 AMPC
[43] You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;
[44] But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
We are used to the old. In fact, nobody has to be taught the old way of doing things. Our human nature is attuned to the old way of doing things. Nobody has to be taught how to lie, or how to steal; it is in line with our human nature to sin, because that is the nature that is conducive for sin to thrive. It is also not possible to conquer or resist that human nature by the sheer force of willpower alone, because that nature is older than all of man. It is a nature that is inherited at birth, long before I could even decide what is right or wrong. This means that if I will live above the dictates and limits of this human nature, I will need another power, one that is superior to and stronger than the human nature. It means that as long as I am subject to that human nature, I am in danger of missing out on all that God has made available for me. Who is in charge: the old man, born of sin, or the new man, born of God?
The nature that is in charge is a reflection of the submission of my heart, and it will reflect on my life's pursuits and priorities. That is what the verse above makes clear: there is a way the world handles opposition and human relationships. It is a mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationship, where we both have to get something tangible from the interaction; otherwise, it is of no use. Why would I invest so much energy and time on something that does not give me anything in return? Why would I go all out for someone who seems not to care if I exist or not? While it is hard to make arguments against this position, we have a perfect example of what this life of sacrifice looks like, and the benefits that accrue from it. The One speaking here is the One who uses His own life as the template for how life should be. He does not just tell me what the standard is; He shows it to me by His own life of sacrifice and submission.
He does not hold on to His position at the expense of others, but He holds on to Truth as well as impacting His world at the same time. What worked under the old order no longer works under the new dispensation. No matter how popular an idea or view is, it only stands when it aligns with the eternal truth of God's word. Let all men take a position; as long as it is against God's express command, just give it time. Do not let popular opinion or the vain applause of men be the driving factor behind your application. The call of God upon our lives demand a new way of working and living. It is not whether the target deserves your love; you give it because it is all you have received and all you can give in return. Love is not about you deserving it; it is about what you have first received and experienced, and now, you have the empowerment as well as the enablement to pass it on to other people. I have received love from God, in spite of my past and present. I must also show love so I can pay it forward the right way. God's time of favour is here.
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