The Power to Love Instead of Hate

One of these days I’m going to write a book. I’ve already chosen the title: Things I Wish Jesus Hadn’t Said.  Luke 6:27-28 is going to be the basis for one of the first chapters.  Did you read it? Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” And I haven’t even gotten to the part about turning the other cheek. 

            Doesn’t Jesus know how hard it is to love those who love me?  Even those who love me disagree with me from time to time. They do things that drive me crazy.  I’m giving all my energy loving the ones who care about me.  How in the world am I supposed to love my enemies? 

            It really is an impossible task.  I cannot love my enemy.  I would rather say with the psalmist (58:6), “Break the teeth in their mouth, O God.”  And yet there it is right in front of me. “Do good to those who hate you.” 

            How do you obey Jesus when everything within you cries out to do the opposite?  How do you bless the curser, or pray for the abuser? 

            I am reminded of two verses in the New Testament that point out our great need and potential. In John 15:5, Jesus declared, “Without me you can do nothing.”  And in Philippians 4:13, Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

            There is my answer! As I said before, I cannot love my enemy. I do not have that capacity within me.  And recognizing that is the first step I must take.  I am not able in my own strength. 

            But in Christ I have great power to do that which I could not otherwise do.  Jesus allows me to love my enemies. He empowers me to do so.  He lives within me. That is my only hope. 

            It’s not just that I can’t love my enemies. On my own, I don’t even want to do so. But in Jesus’ name I can do it.  And so can you. “Love your enemies.” Do good to them and pray for them.  Jesus did.  He calls you to do the same.  And He will be with you to help you as you do.