Love Your Enemies?

As we’ve seen this week, Jesus taught his followers to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Though this itself may be a lifelong challenge, Jesus asks us to expand our definition of neighbor. Anyone who is in need is our neighbor now.

Today, Jesus expands God’s instructions even further. Today, Jesus says, “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.”

It is becoming increasingly clear that for followers of Christ, there is no room for hate, or even self-centered neglect. Our marching orders from Jesus could not be clearer: we are to love everyone. Not some feeling of love in our hearts, but spending our time, energy, money, and resources. There doesn’t seem to be anyone on earth that we are allowed to neglect.

Of course, we cannot do this on our own. But what if the Body of Christ around the world worked together to follow Jesus in this way? If we, together, cared sacrificially for our neighbors—expanding this to include immigrants and strangers, to include even our enemies?

Every single day we hear warnings to be afraid of each other—in the news, on television, on the internet, and even from the pulpit. We are suspicious of neighbors. We worry strangers are dangerous. We believe enemies are trying to harm us. And this may be true. But fear gets in the way of our love.

Jesus didn’t assume his followers would be safe. After all, Jesus was killed—and so were many of his followers. He warned them to count the cost, then pick up their crosses if they decided to follow.

But the mission he gives us is crystal clear: Don’t be afraid. Live a life oriented not around fear but around love, pouring out love and care for neighbors, strangers, and even enemies.

Are you being discipled to love or fear neighbors, strangers, and enemies? How can you take steps to follow Jesus and live out of active love instead of fear?