“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 sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:43-45 (ESV)

Devotion:

Currently in the United States, we are living through a time of extreme polarization and division. It seems so much of our culture has broken down into tribes, and if someone doesn’t hold the same view as your tribe, well, then they are your mortal enemy. It even exists in our churches. It is a tragic reality, and I believe it breaks the heart of God.

Back in the fall when Pastor John Ortberg spoke on faithfulness as a fruit of the Spirit, he said, “In a culture, in a society, in a day where cursing “the other”—the cultural other, the religious other, the political other, the sexual other—is taken as a virtue, the body of Christ is called to be a blessing to EVERYBODY.” (emphasis mine)

As we focus on relationships in the month of February, it is important we remember those who don’t think like us, who don’t agree with us, who maybe even hate us and remind ourselves that Christ commands us to love them. To. Love. Them. To bless them. It is not optional. It is not a suggestion. There’s no caveat or opt out. We are to love our enemies.

I’m not suggesting that Christians shouldn’t be politically active or have a voice in the public square, but God doesn’t need us to fight for him. He wants us to love for him. And whom does God love? Everybody. Whom should we love? Everybody. Christ loves (and died for) those who hated him. He loves (and died for) those who would reject him. He loves (and died for) those who cursed him as he hung on a cross. We are to love who Jesus loves. No exceptions.

So, what does it look like to bless our enemies? It could be a random act of kindness. Maybe it means when you pray for your enemy (i.e., your co-worker who voted for the other party or the guy across the street who is the self-appointed watchdog and rule enforcer of your neighborhood association), you ask God to change and soften your heart toward that person.

Theologian Francis de Sale once wrote, “Those who think they are rising to God, yet fail to love their neighbor, are deceiving both themselves and others.” Again, from John Ortberg: Anytime you have an interaction or encounter with another person you will have an orientation or posture toward them. You will either be willing good things for them or you will be judgmental, distant or condemning. You will either bless or curse. There is no in between. The mission of God is to bless. As obedient followers who bear the name of our master Jesus, we are to join God on this mission. When we truly love our neighbor, even if they are our “enemy,” we bless them. 

PRAYER

Lord, remind me that we are all made in your image, even those who don’t share my views or values. Out of your vast and endless love, you sent Jesus to die for everyone, even those who do not choose to love you in return. Teach me to love as you love. Let the way I love my neighbors and my enemies be a reflection of great your love for us.

Michael Milligan

Pastor, Pastoral Care

Michael Milligan is Pastor of Pastoral Care at Crossings. Michael is privileged to minister to the Crossings family and walk beside them through seasons of sickness, sorrow, and setbacks of life. Michael is blessed to have the opportunity to "marry, bury, and everything in-between" as part of his ministry to the church and the local community. 

Resources: 

• Watch John Ortberg’s sermon about faithfulness
• Danny Gokey “Love God Love People” 

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