There is a lost art in our nation, and that is the art of loving our enemies.

We continue to create new platforms and mediums on which we can tear one another apart. We often say the absolute worst things about one another, and many things said are not even true.

Jesus taught a different way of dealing with one another. His premise was that we ought to find ways to show love to even those we consider enemies. And before we dismiss it, lets read what He actually said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:44–48, ESV) Now, none of us are perfect, and we won’t be when it comes to loving our enemies, but the pursuit is commanded by the Lord. It is a moral imperative.

You may think yourself a loving person, but until you find love in your heart for your enemy, you are not even close.

Everyone loves those who love them in return, that is fairly natural, but those who love the ones that don’t return their love…those are the ones that are getting closer to perfection.

Take for example the neighbor whose dog barks at you every morning or all night long, or the neighbor with the cat that leaves gifts in your landscaping. Think of the person that cuts you off at the intersection, or the one who stole your parking spot going the wrong way down the aisle.

I could go on, but you have likely already had a few thoughts of your own.

It is staying our anger and finding a way to love them that will begin to perfect our character.

Consider giving compassion a try. The person who passes you in a no passing zone is living a dangerous and probably frustrated life, late for everything and constantly explaining themselves. I find myself trying to pray for their safety and for the safety of those they encounter.

What would my anger solve? Even if I catch them at the next light or gas station, will I find satisfaction in taking out my rage?

Some of you may disagree, and that is understandable. What can be said is that when love is chosen over hatred, it is not still eating at a person when they go to bed at night.

And, there is satisfaction in knowing that Jesus may very well be pleased.

When in doubt, consider how you handled the situation in light of the scriptures above. How close were you to doing what the Lord has commanded?

Lighten up and let love shine a little more often. It won’t kill you, and it might even prevent a road rage incident or a heart attack.

Don’t let your anger ruin your heart physically or spiritually.

Pastor Rich Cummings was called to Emmanuel Baptist Church in August 2022 and he has been a pastor since 2006. He has an MDiv from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He may be reached at rich@ebccassville.
com.