Enemy Mine

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 6:37 HCSB

To fully appreciate this verse we must read verses 27-38. Jesus goes way beneath the surface:
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do what is good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners to be repaid in full.
Luke 6:32‭-‬34 HCSB

Our natural tendency is to love those who love us. We must be honest with ourselves. Yesterday I gave a friend a surprise 65th birthday party. It was easy to do. He is a friend. The past few days I have been dealing with enemies. They are definitely not attractive but their need is as great.

Jesus wants us to pause and breathe in His deeper truth. Who are your enemies? Why do they behave like they do? Probably because they have not met Christ is all His fullness and been healed by Him.

Dealing with enemies can be crushing, emotionally devastating. But what can we do in Christ? 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Amen!