Ouch

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:43-48).

This passage was in my devotional reading this morning. You're probably quite familiar with it. But this is one of those passages that we really cannot hear or read often enough. Jesus never said following Him was a walk in the park. It's a life of pretty high standards. But by living as Christ did, we are showing our Father off to those around us. And that's a pretty good reward in and of itself.

I don't feel like loving that person! you might say. Well, God never said you had to feel like doing something to do it. Do you think Jesus felt like being crucified? Uh, I don't think so. True, pure love does things because that's what ought to be done. And wouldn't you like it if someone loved you in spite of your screw-ups and flaws? And don't you know that Someone already does? So shouldn't you pass that kind of love along?