Enemies

I think all of us have a natural tendency and desire to hit back, fight back, seek revenge or at the very least cut out of our life and simply ignore those who hurt or hate us.  There are many who portray God that way as well, as angry, people hating, vengeful and distant.  However, many times throughout the Bible, God shows mercy to those who don’t deserve it and compassion to those who have lived lives that don’t match up to his expectations.  Jesus is the ultimate example and culmination of that mercy.  Trouble is though that if we are to associate ourselves with Him then we are asked to do the most unnatural thing in the world – to love our enemies.  We are not asked to just tolerate them but to actively go out of our way and do good to them and for them.  It takes courage, determination and a great understanding of God’s love to be able to love our enemies.