Former Blackout Artist

“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

The world can often be a cruel and bitter place. It has always been this way, but in the past we didn’t have such immediate access to things like 24-hour news channels and social media platforms to remind us every hour. At just about any time of the day, one can log into Twitter or Facebook and read the commentary provided by some of the most angry, overreactive people. And sometimes, unfortunately, Christians can be just as prone to being reeled in to this toxic discontentment as anyone else!

During his ministry, Jesus was no stranger to toxic environments. He suffered more than his fair share of cruelty and anger. The list of people who hated him and wanted him dead was endless. And yet, the lives of everyone who had a personal encounter with him were changed forever. No matter where they came from, or how wealthy they were, or the evil they had done in their past – none of those things mattered to Jesus. All that mattered was whether they were willing to repent, change their ways, and follow him.

If the Son of Man, who gave his life to cover the sins of the world, was constantly in the crosshairs of cruelty and persecution, it doesn’t need to be said that neither should we expect anything different.

Friend, Jesus expects us to extend the same love, kindness, and forgiveness to others that he did, no matter where they came from, or how much money they have, or what their past looks like. As Christ followers, we are to assume the character of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. Are we going to fall short of the goal sometimes? You bet. We are human and God knows that. But when we do our very best to assume the character of Jesus, we give those who are angry and bitter an opportunity to see the goodness of God in an otherwise godless world.

We are not to hate our enemies. Rather, we are to love and pray for them, in hopes that the same Grace and Mercy that changed our lives might afford them the same opportunity to change theirs.’