Sibling Rivalry
Is it even possible to love one's enemies?
“You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matt. 5:38-48
All throughout the Hebrew Bible, God helped His people kill their enemies. He even had them kill those whose land He offered them.
So, it I wonder how Jesus' words were received.
Could they understand that these words came from the same God?
They were expecting a Messiah to lead them to victory over their enemies, the Romans, the oppressors. And now Jesus is telling them to love these evil people?
And here we are, living in a time where we see evil all around us. What are we to understand?
Does the fact that God loves everyone regardless of what they do or say matter?
Can we look at God's grace and say we could be like Him? Could we accept those who persecute us as children of the same God and love them like siblings?
My enemies are my brothers and sisters, so I should love them as God loves them.
Really?
One could argue that Jesus was offering sound advice for survival in a hostile world filled with evil.
Offer yourself to those who make demands of you.
Give to those in need.
Be a friend to the friendless.
Show compassion and grace to everyone.
Survive in a hate-filled world by being as perfect as you can be. And you will live.
Maybe that's the message, but it is still difficult to do.
It is one thing to forgive my brother or sister. I love them and would do anything for them. But my enemies?
If I can see them as siblings, perhaps I can find a way, but without knowing them, it will be tough.
We need to get to know our enemies so we can see them as we see ourselves.
More to come...