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“Love your enemies.” (Luke 6:27)
Jesus’ followers knew the tension of living in occupied territory. The soldiers and tax collectors of Herod Antipas, Rome’s client ruler, were ever present reminders of their oppression. Consequently, when Jesus spoke to people about loving their enemies, he knew it would sound absurd to them. To love those who exploited them went against every natural inclination.
Indeed, Jesus was calling his followers to be supernatural, to be “children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked” (Luke 6:35). He was calling them to share in the love that originates in the heart of the Father. This love does not spring from admiration of the one who is loved. The enemy may not be admirable, after all. Neither does it mean approving the enemy’s abuses. God’s love extends to those who do not behave admirably, even to those who are sinning in the worst way—at the very time they are sinning. Neither is this love merely the absence of malice but a compassionate desire for the other person’s good.
To love in this way asks us to be open to divine love. It asks us to try our best to be like Jesus. He experienced the love that flowed from the Father toward him, and he made a way for this grace from God to flow out through him to all people. When he was mistreated at his trial, he responded with meekness (John 18:19-24). He endured the insults with dignity and appealed to his offender with the truth and in love. Far from mere sentiment, his humility was active and constructive. Jesus served God by seeking the good of others, not just by having good feelings about them.
We all know how hard it can be to love people who mistreat us. But if we just try to make a little progress every day, we’ll see ourselves getting better over time. Yes, Jesus is calling us to be supernatural, just as he called his disciples. But he knows us intimately, and he knows how challenging this call is. So be patient with yourself. Remember how patient Jesus was with his disciples and trust that he is at least that patient with you as well!
“Father, I praise you for sharing your perfect love with me. Thank you for every opportunity to practice humility. May my small attempts at obedience give you glory!”
1 Corinthians 8:1-7,11-13; Psalm 139:1-3,13-14,23-24
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