This week, we have examined Jesus's teaching on loving our enemy. At first glance, this might not have been an easy message, particularly if you are grieving a loss at another person's hands. When it feels like the wheels of justice are turning too slowly, it can be tempting to take matters into our own hands. In the face of threat and turmoil, the sin seems much more in focus than the
sinner.
Yet Jesus has masterfully moved us from challenge to perspective to hope.
We are all, in one way or another, “the enemy.” While we may not all be criminals in the judicial sense, we have all caused pain and hurt to others, especially God. We all need grace and mercy, which Jesus offers in abundance.
Cast your mind over the first two months of this year.
How many times have you needed Jesus' kindness, mercy and forgiveness?
If we do not want to be harshly judged, let us not be quick to judge.
Now think about those you see as your “enemy”. What do you see?
A person acting out of a
need to be heard, seen, or survive? Someone bending under the heaviness of perpetual injustice? A human being devoid of all hope?
Could you choose to reserve judgement on this “enemy”? Could you show this person God’s love and grace?
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
