I think one of the really hard sayings of Jesus is: “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44) Admittedly, it goes against my grain. After all, if someone is an enemy it’s because they did something hurtful or evil to me. So I want to scream: “No fair — you can’t get away with that!” Pray for them? I’d like to pray they get what they deserve.

It’s the follow up part of Matthew 5:44 that brings me up short and unsaddles me from my high horse. It says “…in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

No one has endured more offenses than God since he began the human race. Mine certainly don’t compare. He is maligned, ignored, blamed and sinned against by people all the time. Yet how does he react? He still pours out blessings and good upon ALL as if those “enemies” were friends. He makes no distinction. Isn’t that amazing?

Do I want to be a son (or daughter) of my heavenly Father? I DO! Then I have to start acting like him even if it goes against my grain. Okay, but I’m going to need some help. I’m sure God’s up for that. After all, if he willingly blesses his enemies every day, why wouldn’t he willingly help me love mine?