But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28)
In southern India, a scarlet ribbon stretched across the doorway of a palm thatched church. I was invited to open the mud wall building by cutting the ribbon. The thirty some Christians living in this hostile village needed encouragement. The previous month, militant Hindus burned their church to the ground. What could I dare preach to these persecuted souls?
“Satan had his way in your village for countless generations. Now Jesus is moving in and you are caught in the middle of a spiritual war. You must choose a side, but the weapons you fight with are not the weapons of the world. You must combat your enemies with love, forgiveness, and prayer. Stick to these three disciplines and you will have victory in this test.”
I knew it was the right message. I also knew it was easier said than done. Back home, I had a Neighborhood Watch program standing guard along with police and firetrucks within ten minutes reach. These desperate believers had to continue living next to enemies who would do anything to see them eliminated from the village equation.
Even though people don’t normally attack me, I do have those inside my sphere who are difficult to love. If you are human and you interact with other people, disagreement is inevitable. The grace I bring to an abrasive relationship is the measure of my Christlikeness. It matters how I respond to those who growl.
I’m confident my friends in the burned out church will stand the test. They will love their way into the hearts of many in their village. But will I do the same in my world?
Prayer: Jesus, help me deeply love everybody you bring to me.