Picking and Choosing

Christians are committed to complete obedience to God. Unfortunately, we can fall into the habit of being selective in our obedience. There are many examples that I could cite, and our "selectivity" is very personal. For the purposes of illustration I'd like to address one command that I've been guilty of de-emphasizing.

In the sermon on the mount Jesus taught,

You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, Love you enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
-- Matthew 5:38-45

Christ's teaching here is profound. It is simple and easy to understand, but difficult to practice. I have to admit, that since 9/11/2001 it has been more difficult than ever. We live in a world where we are opposed by a radical, violent, hateful enemy. Women, children, and unarmed civilians are their chosen prey. How could anyone love an enemy like that?

I think there are several things that can help us in doing what Jesus commands. First, we need to realize that loving our enemies does not mean accepting them as they are or approving of their behavior. Indignation over evil and desire for justice is natural. A well-ordered society will punish evil-doers and it is God's will that the governing authorities mete out such punishment ("for it does not bear the sword in vain" Romans 13:3). But that vengeance does not belong to the individual. Nor does the need for such vengeance mean we must hate the criminal. Evil works will have their own consequences, which should be meted out with calm, dispassionate justice. Don't let others' evil create an evil, hateful heart in you.

The first step in loving my enemy is to understand the wrath of God that abides upon them with compassion, rather than satisfaction. I don't want anyone to feel the flames of hell for eternity. They need my prayers. I can pray that they will change. I can pray that they will see the evil they are committing. I can pray that something will lead them to repent and seek God's mercy. There will be justice served in the flames of hell, but God would rather (and so would I) that everyone repent and receive pardon through Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4).

The second step is the realization that God loved me when I was His enemy. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Jesus died to provide the redeeming sacrifice for us while we were enemies of God in our sinful rebellion (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 2:1-5). If God had compassion for us, can we not have compassion for others?

There are, of course, other things we can be selective about. Let us continue to meditate on the word, and be honest with ourselves that we might bring "into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

--PG