Jesus' Hardest Teaching

In "small groups" this past Sunday evening, we spent most of the session talking about love for our friends. Brother Jerry's lesson Sunday morning dealt with "the greatest commandment," that we should love the Lord our God with all our soul, all our strength, and all our mind, and that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matthew 22:34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."). Now, those of you who know me at all know that I'm a "literal" guy - anytime the bible can be interpreted literally, it should be taken that way - that said, you know I have no problem with this teaching! Jesus says, quite literally, that all of the rest of the law, and all of the prophets, hang on these two commands! Such being the case, we should, quite literally, love God above all things and put Him first always, AND we should love one another as much as we love ourselves! As tough as that may seem (let's be real, shall we? How often do we REALLY put God first? How often is it that He's the first thought and our first consideration? I'm not pointing fingers, mind you - I'm just as guilty as anyone! Even in the most devout households, God usually comes in second or third, but rarely if ever FIRST!), we are commanded to make it happen! My experience has been thus - if you put God first and put all of your trust in Him, you cannot HELP but love others! Whether we go to the extent that is described next....

Okay, that's a tough teaching, that "God first" thing. We have cares and concerns that we have to look after, doesn't God know that? Well, if you thought that one was tough, try this one on for size!

Matthew 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

In that same session of small groups, one of the men in the gathering told of a hamburger joint in town where Muslim tracts have been left on the tables, some of which are rather desparaging about Jesus. He made it clear that he'd not go back and several in the group made it clear that they would boycott the place as well. I could not recall the scripture at the time, but I thought to myself, "it is not the well, but the sick who need a physician! " Jesus tells us to love those who despise us and pray for those who persecute us! How badly do these people need a Christian presence! Yet, in our typical "circle the wagons" fashion, we're going to prove that the tenets of our faith are no better than those of Islam - we're going to wage war on the "infidels" and attempt to drive them out of business! Frankly, I should have spoken up, but I'm new to the group and I could not remember the scripture, so I kept quiet. As I said, I'm no better than they for having kept quiet, but this scripture more than any other (IMHO) separates Christianity from other world religions (nevermind that Jesus is ALIVE and all of those other guys are dead - I'm speaking only of the teachings of our holy scripture versus that of other major world beliefs). We are commanded to love those who mistreat us, to love and respect those who persecute us, and to pray for those who disagree! I don't think Islam can make that claim and I know that Hindus, even thought they espouse a non-violent lifestyle, believe that "karma" will even things up in the end (a little devine retribution, if you will). Frankly, I've got a lot of growing to do - I'm not there yet and I don't know of a lot of folks who are.

God, give me the ability to be more like Jesus this day. Help me to love You with my whole being and to love my neighbors as I love myself. Lord, help me to love those who hate me or treat me with disdain and pray for those who persecute me. I can't do it of my own power, but I know that, with your help, I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. Watch over me and my darling bride and keep us safe and healthy. Grant her the desires of her heart - she loves you with her whole heart! All of this I ask in the precious name of Jesus, amen!

- Dan