Blessing Our Friends And Enemies

"Today's Devotion" For March 9, 2006

Read: Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:14-21

BLESSING OUR FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

"When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)

Should we treat India's nuclear program differently than we treat North Korea's or Iran's? That's a question that's raising eyebrows all over the United States and in not just a few other nations as well. If the growth of nuclear capabilities, specifically in weaponry, is a danger to the world community, why would anyone want to encourage and assist in such a proliferation? Certainly it wouldn't be prudent to not assist in the development of nuclear energy capabilities as a source of energy that can be more economic and increase energy independence from fossil fuels. At the same time, while the United States insists that North Korea and Iran submit to the standards and inspections of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, it isn't requiring such compliance from India because "it's a friend."

Whether we're talking about the world stage or right next door, isn't it true that we're more likely to treat our friends with dignity and respect than our enemies? Now it can be argued that our friends deserve more consideration from us than our enemies, but this just doesn't sit will from a Christian perspective. Human nature, motivated by Sin, is more inclined to differing behaviors and standards of love, compassion, decency, fairness, and justice when it comes to our treatment of our friends over against our enemies. Yet, in so doing, we fail in the most important aspect of what God expects of us - to love Him above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves (and He includes enemies in the category of neighbors). To live and work in this way, to treat people fairly and equitably, regardless of whether they are our friends or enemies, is to do the will of God and to truly share His love in Christ with the world. Think of the outcome of such behavior on our part.

Paul, quoting Proverbs 25:21-22, writes "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Acting by faith in such a way is difficult and trying but pleasing to God. As our quote from Proverbs 16:7 puts it, "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him." While it may be challenging and difficult (and God knows we really don't like such challenges or difficulties in our lives - they're not "comfortable") to love others as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us - and not only us but the whole world, even His enemies - such living is pleasing to God and He will bless both us and those we love - enemies or friends.

Filled with God's peace and forgiven of all our sins in Christ, we are blessed to live a life that is pleasing to God. To do so is to treat others fairly and equitably, without favoritism, just as Jesus did when He died for everyone's sins without regard to their station in life or relationship with God. To live and act in such a way is to open the door to living in peace with everyone, even our enemies. While God doesn't expect us to compromise the truth or ignore evil, He does counsel to live as His people in such a way as we are at peace with others. What a tremendous opportunity we have in Jesus to touch others with God's love and forgiveness and be a blessing to them whether they are enemies or friends!

Prayer: Father, it's really easy for me to love my friends, but loving my enemies is a real stretch. While it's a personal challenge for me, it's also a national and international challenge for all Your children in Christ. People hate us for being Christian, many times because we haven't acted in a manner pleasing to You. Too often I know I've been selective in my loving and caring for others, often ignoring those who are different, who might pose a threat to my sense of security, or who are openly hostile to me. As it happens in my life so also does it extend through me to those who govern on my behalf. Father, forgive me for such unloving living and for failing to live in a manner pleasing to You. Fill me with the power of Your Word and Spirit so that Your love in Christ might fill my heart and life with Your forgiveness and peace and move me to live in a way that even my enemies might live in peace with me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
********************

--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.