Really? Love My Enemies? by Larry Kuhlman
Love Your Enemies. (Matthew 5:44 NIV)
In 1920, Warren Harding was elected president on the slogan, “Return to normalcy.” Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” While Harding wanted to return to the old ways, Jesus was creating a radical and bold new way to live.
All of us are aware of what we perceive as the norm. We grasp what is routine and comfortable. We know the normal hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is not our usual schedule.
Much of “normal,” I really like! I like eating favorite foods, watching sports, attending church services, and sharing with people enjoying what I enjoy.
I like my status quo. It drives my life activity. I don’t want to wear a Halloween costume to a Christmas party or have roasted turkey on July 4th. I am not certain that I want to make loving my enemies my normal.
Did Christ say, “Love your enemies” and “Turn the other cheek” when punched? Really?? This makes me want to say, “I don’t have any enemies” rather than try to model Christ. Jesus wants me to be light to everyone I meet, just as the sun shines equally on everyone. I AM to love my enemies!
Jesus knew his norm demands that I go beyond being helpful, caring, and involved only in the lives of those I love and who love me in return. I am to build relationships with those I dislike, disagree with, or those not like me.
God loves everyone and grants all of us His grace and mercy. This is our motivation to love our enemies. No one is exempt from this teaching. There is no expiration date on Christ’s expectation!
Larry Kuhlman