You know, if we don’t love our “enemies” then I think we’re missing the call of true love. True love. Real love. Jesus love. I’ve been thinking about that lately. It’s much easier to write off those who hurt us in efforts to protect ourselves from any future pain. But…that’s not what Jesus does.
When He walked on this earth, He didn’t place His security in the way humans treated Him. His security and peace and love overflowed from Oneness with His Father. It’s what enabled Him to wash His betrayer’s feet.
But the hard part of loving those who wound us is maneuvering around emotions and expectations. It’s natural to feel an ache when people mishandle our hearts. It’s normal to want to put up walls to keep them out. And God is so tender to the pain. He remembers our humanity.
But true love doesn’t depend on whether or not the other person deserves it. It doesn’t look at whether the other person can return it. It doesn’t birth out of sheer human will and determination. True love — Jesus love — can only flow from us when God first pours out His love in us by His Spirit.
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:35-36
I’ve been thinking on that lately, because everything hinges on love. I reveal whether or not I love Him by how I love those beside me…especially my “enemies.” And that’s humbling.
Fill me, Lord…
Would you share a time when you were called to love someone who hurt you?
For those memorizing the Sermon on the Mount, I am only giving us one verse today so we can finish up chapter 6. Then it’s on to chapter 7 next week! Press on, friends.
{Week 31}
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34
Two instances stand out in my mind…
The first was with my husband. Early in our marriage I discovered he had lied/concealed something from me. I was shocked, angry, hurt, and alone. He was repentant and humble, but my feelings raged initially. I had to allow myself to feel the anger, hurt, and betrayal- but I had to keep my feelings apart from our relationship. God called me to love this man and we were bound in holy covenant two each other- two sinners, but for God’s holy grace. It took time and healing with God, but the work was between myself and God. Then I could be whole again in my relationship. If I had held a grudge against my husband and expected him to “make it right” I would have been sinning putting myself as judge over him. It was not easy, but truly it was the only choice.
The second was in my single days. Someone I had fully trusted with every aspect of my life committed a crime against me. The affects would last for decades and impact my life, my future marriage, my family, and my job. It was devastating to my life and to my heart. But I felt God calling me to forgive and He did an amazing thing. I had several sessions with my pastor, took basic legal steps to try and halt the damage- but did not take the matter to court or press charges, and I let God handle my feelings. He was able to restore in my heart a love for the person again and the ability to see them as God does- with struggles, sins, and burdens. There were also innocent children involved in the situation whom I had made promises to and owed the best I could give. I made my choices- no matter how hard- in their best interests. It has not been an easy road and there are consequences that remain and more that I’m sure will arise, but I am able to walk in freedom and grace without bitterness, revenge, or hate. My choices are not only life changing for the lives affected but also my witness to others.
It is so hard though. I have another relationship in my life where I was deeply hurt and the bitterness has lingered for years. Just when I feel like I have worked through it, the person commits the same sin again and I am remained of all the hurt and pain again. It is hard, but the work is worth it. And I have to make the choice daily to not live bitter and to never forget the depths of horrible sin from which I have been forgiven. Grace toward my enemies is the next step.