by Dorette Saunders
Do you sometimes read scriptures in the Bible and wonder if God literally expects you to obey that command? Case in point:
“But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you” (Matthew 5:44, CEV).
(Perhaps you didn’t read that right…but here it shows up again.)
“Ask God to bless everyone who mistreats you. Ask him to bless them and not to curse them” (Romans 12:14, CEV).
What??!!
In a portion of his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul lays out some guidelines for Christian living. It’s a blueprint for our behavior as Christians who are called to live in an imperfect world (Romans 12:9-21).
Whether we have been Christians for many years, or brand new converts, the Bible tells us what God expects of us. And while being a Christian is a badge of honor, it should not make us smug as we interact with those around us.
So, in the event that we think we have this “Christian” thing down pat. In the event that we think the command to love our enemies isn’t really about us. If we have mistakenly put on holier-than-thou outfits instead of garments of righteousness, Paul tells us clearly, “Be friendly with everyone. Don't be proud and feel that you know more than others. Make friends with ordinary people” (Romans 12:16, CEV).
Paul’s in-your-face, “no room to hide” definition of how Christians ought to live, and to treat other people, is enough to make one squirm. Why? Because, if we are honest, we would rather just love God and ignore those “others” who don’t fit neatly into our world.
Yet, being a Christian means imitating Christ. It means doing what he would have done, and what he calls us to do. Think love, sacrifice, forgiveness, service. The hard things.
“Be sincere in your love for others…. Love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself” (vv. 9,10, CEV).
So our motivation matters, and half-heartedness is thrown out the window as we are called to embrace others in the same spirit, and with the same love Christ embraces us.
This is challenging. But it calls into question if we can live out the verse that many of us claim is our favorite: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).
It is important that we depend upon the Lord if we are to live in ways that please God. The apostle further states, “Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11, CEV). It is the Holy Spirit who will both guide and enable us to carry out our Lord’s commands.
Living and loving as a Christian is called to do is no easy feat. Worldly distractions and distortions of truth are all around us, making our walk in the “narrow way” a daily challenge. But here’s the good news. We never walk alone. Jesus is always with us.
Here’s more good news:
“We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness” (2 Peter 1:3, CEV).
Praise the Lord!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, empower me in areas where I feel I am not living like a Christian. Remind me always that my strength is in you, and that my justice comes from you. Help me live in such a way that brings glory to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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