Wednesday, May 26, 2010

the acid test

The real test of our kindness, patience and love is when we're faced with the unkind, the impatient and the unlovable..
That would be the acid test of our calling to love the world as Christ has loved us.

Jesus calls us to love not just our friends and those who like us, but also our enemies, and those who don't like us. If our love is reserved for only those who deserve it, then as Christians we have missed the point because our love is no different from the world's. Of course it's not gonna be easy to live up to this command, and in fact it is often bordering on the impossible. But as we reflect on God's great love for us and how by grace he has forgiven all of our sins even though we are undeserving of it, his Spirit helps us to love others as he had loved us.

"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)


"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
(John 13:34-35)

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