I’ve been thinking about loving our enemies a lot lately, and what that actually looks like. I do believe that love and grace are the answer - when we realize that God offers every single person undeserved favor (grace) then we must also offer it ourselves. We can resist the opportunity to spread or encourage division and instead foster compassion and inclusion. It isn’t easy. And it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t stand up against injustice - it is HOW we protest that matters. Our behavior should manifest the fruits of the Spirit (patience included!) or we do not honor God.
Ragan, this hit home this morning, reminding me of a poem I wrote a few days ago about quieting the heart to silence the killer mind. All too easy for me to envision harsh retribution on the evildoers and those who enable them.
I’ve been thinking about loving our enemies a lot lately, and what that actually looks like. I do believe that love and grace are the answer - when we realize that God offers every single person undeserved favor (grace) then we must also offer it ourselves. We can resist the opportunity to spread or encourage division and instead foster compassion and inclusion. It isn’t easy. And it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t stand up against injustice - it is HOW we protest that matters. Our behavior should manifest the fruits of the Spirit (patience included!) or we do not honor God.
Amen, Korie! I think of Jesus praying for his enemies from the cross. That's the ultimate expression of enemy love.
Thank you for this, Ragan. I needed it today.
Thank you, Lore! It was the message I needed for myself, so I’m glad it struck home with you too.
Ragan, this hit home this morning, reminding me of a poem I wrote a few days ago about quieting the heart to silence the killer mind. All too easy for me to envision harsh retribution on the evildoers and those who enable them.
Mike, I'm always thankful when a post hits home with you. If you'd be willing, I'd love read your poem. I need all the quieting I can get.
Not so much poem as brief note to self
2/16
Sow peace in the heart
To quiet the killer mind
Then we organize
A deeply worthy meditation, Mike! I'll be keeping this with me today.