Jesus taught us, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good for them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Yeah right! Really? In today’s world? You’ve got to be kidding!
We watch TV shows and movies that glorify revenge and getting even. We watch realty shows that depict going behind one’s back as a much to be desired skill. We even listen to music (in whatever genre you prefer) in which that time honored tradition of not letting “them” get away with it is praised.
We’ve coined new phrases and words to attack and humiliate. We’ve raised old hand signals (pun intended) to new heights of worldwide acceptance. Making someone pay for what they’ve done has become an international pastime. Jesus didn’t live in today’s world so He really didn’t know what it was going to be like. If we turn the other cheek today, we are sure to have them both slapped, or much worse! Am I right?
Actually, I am very wrong. Over the past few years I have taken this counsel very much to heart. I have attempted to live it as closely as a mere human can. Finding myself with enemies who hate and despitefully use me, it became a survival tactic. I had to find my “peace amidst the storm” and living this scripture has done exactly that.
I have been trying to live this principle with those near and not so dear to me, namely exes and their spouses. My ex and his wife despise me and everything I stand for. She and I couldn’t be farther apart when it comes to core values. She fought tooth and nail to get my children away from the woman that would ruin their lives- me. In many ways, she still feels that way since our parenting skills and views on the world are so dissimilar.
But I try to love her, I pray daily for her, and I back her up with the children. I have tried to treat her like a friend. It’s been a long road but recently, payoff. There was a sister melt down at their house. No parents were home. I was the only one that could be reached, so I tried my best to deal with the situation over the phone. She returned, grabbed the phone and proceeded to rip me a new one. How dare I interfere with things happening at her house, etc. I listened as calmly as I could. I stated what had happened when she finally took a breath and tried to let her know that I was on her side in this situation. Not only did she eventually calm down, she apologized twice for blowing up and felt ready to deal when she got off the phone. This was HUGE!! And I believe a direct effect of my loving my enemy and doing good to those who despitefully use you. Thank you, Jesus.
Is it easy? No!!! It has taken years to get to this place. We have to overcome our “natural” selves. It is natural to want to lash out or fight back when we feel attacked. If we can get past that, however, there is an indescribable sweetness that accompanies peaceful thoughts and actions. And I have learned once more that it is possible to love someone you may not really like.
No, it is definitely not easy but ask me if it’s worth it and I’ll answer with a big “hell, yeah”! Oops, maybe I’d better start working on my language next. That’s the view from my side of the street, what’s yours?
We watch TV shows and movies that glorify revenge and getting even. We watch realty shows that depict going behind one’s back as a much to be desired skill. We even listen to music (in whatever genre you prefer) in which that time honored tradition of not letting “them” get away with it is praised.
We’ve coined new phrases and words to attack and humiliate. We’ve raised old hand signals (pun intended) to new heights of worldwide acceptance. Making someone pay for what they’ve done has become an international pastime. Jesus didn’t live in today’s world so He really didn’t know what it was going to be like. If we turn the other cheek today, we are sure to have them both slapped, or much worse! Am I right?
Actually, I am very wrong. Over the past few years I have taken this counsel very much to heart. I have attempted to live it as closely as a mere human can. Finding myself with enemies who hate and despitefully use me, it became a survival tactic. I had to find my “peace amidst the storm” and living this scripture has done exactly that.
I have been trying to live this principle with those near and not so dear to me, namely exes and their spouses. My ex and his wife despise me and everything I stand for. She and I couldn’t be farther apart when it comes to core values. She fought tooth and nail to get my children away from the woman that would ruin their lives- me. In many ways, she still feels that way since our parenting skills and views on the world are so dissimilar.
But I try to love her, I pray daily for her, and I back her up with the children. I have tried to treat her like a friend. It’s been a long road but recently, payoff. There was a sister melt down at their house. No parents were home. I was the only one that could be reached, so I tried my best to deal with the situation over the phone. She returned, grabbed the phone and proceeded to rip me a new one. How dare I interfere with things happening at her house, etc. I listened as calmly as I could. I stated what had happened when she finally took a breath and tried to let her know that I was on her side in this situation. Not only did she eventually calm down, she apologized twice for blowing up and felt ready to deal when she got off the phone. This was HUGE!! And I believe a direct effect of my loving my enemy and doing good to those who despitefully use you. Thank you, Jesus.
Is it easy? No!!! It has taken years to get to this place. We have to overcome our “natural” selves. It is natural to want to lash out or fight back when we feel attacked. If we can get past that, however, there is an indescribable sweetness that accompanies peaceful thoughts and actions. And I have learned once more that it is possible to love someone you may not really like.
No, it is definitely not easy but ask me if it’s worth it and I’ll answer with a big “hell, yeah”! Oops, maybe I’d better start working on my language next. That’s the view from my side of the street, what’s yours?
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