Christianity faces some of its greatest days. We best not miss them. I'm not being Pollyanna nor am I being naive. In these very treacherous, threatening, and perplexing days of militant-striking global news, the stage is set for believers in God to shine on this very stage which has such a stark, dark background.
If ever there was a time for God's children to arise, it would not be in knocking doors to set up Bible studies. Neither would it be to send food to a mission sight. While these are surely effective and valuable, there is an ultra-necessary call for those of us who carry our Bibles. We must learn to authentically, seriously, honestly love our enemies.
It is here we drop the ball (faith in the Word) and take on a fleshly system of religion of sorts. We will engage in many things, seemingly everything doctrinal as best as we can interpret , except...loving those despicable people we know as...enemies. It is here that all denominational flavors who parade our differences join forces....in shame.
Jesus called for us to love those who wish to do us harm. He did and does. We somehow dismiss such a divine charge. We go to church. We conduct home Bible studies. We work hard at good deeds. Yet, the Christian world has no voice when it comes to absolutely loving and being deeply concerned for the welfare of our enemies; whether across a vast ocean or across a property-line fence.
We. Have. Gone. Silent.
Instead, we have joined the ranks of bitterness; even hatred for this segment of society. God loves these people. Their deeds are injurious. Their souls are dear. We must expand our belief system from strong preference as to what goes on inside of our church buildings; worship experiences we prefer or mission efforts we like. We must adhere to His dynamic call to deeply love those who oppose us; else our words and efforts are wasted breath.
I spend time in prayer asking God to bless these barbaric leaders who appear to take us out. These have not gotten to know the One who laid his life down for them; for us. We are all, says the Bible, enemies to God at one time. God is in the enemy-loving business. And...we love Him for it.
For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:10).
May the church wake up in order to practice what it has preached; yet, most likely never regarded it as a reality. Now is the time for our enduring love to go public for our enemies to be both seen and heard.
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men (Luke 6:35).
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