Matthew 5: 43 – 48 “You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, to show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike]. For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles [the heathen] do that? You, therefore, must be perfect, [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Romans 12:21 “Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.”
In the last few weeks, the American people have witnessed examples of pettiness, unforgiveness, and political gamesmanship. Political leaders from one party have refused to shake hands with those from another party. In one highly publicized incident, the Speaker of the House tore up her copy of the President’s State of the Union address. None of these acts have made anyone look bigger or wiser or stronger or more virtuous! Many Americans have been appalled and embarrassed by such behavior from those who are supposed to be setting examples.
This behavior is not new; on the contrary, it is as old as the human race. Jesus knew all about being offended and holding grudges. And as Jesus was standing on that hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee, teaching the crowds, he was focusing in on the ultra- religious people who had come to hear him. There are two groups that Jesus specifically mentions and some explanation is in order. In those days, the Romans employed Jews as tax collectors. Most of the tax collectors collected far more than they were supposed to, victimizing the poor but becoming very rich in the process. The religious people scorned the tax collectors because they viewed tax collectors as pawns of a godless Roman government and violators of scriptural injunctions against demanding exorbitant rates of interest. At the same time, the religious people also scorned the Gentiles.
Gentiles were non – Jews who did not practice the Jewish religion. Ultra – religious Jews saved particular scorn for Samaritans. When Israel and Judah were carried off into captivity by the Babylonians and Assyrians, the conquerors settled other groups of people in the land so that the land would not become over – run with wild animals or become unproductive. When these settlers were attacked by lions, the Assyrians sent Jewish priests to teach them about the one true God. Unfortunately, these people continued to serve their idols while also worshiping the God of the Jews. 2 Kings 17:24 – 41) Proud practicing Jews viewed Samaritans as a mongrel people whose worship was substandard and surely unacceptable to God.
As Jesus began his teaching, there were probably a number of Pharisees and Sadducees who were waiting for acclamation of their outstanding behavior. But what was this? Jesus was daring to compare these superior beings to TAX COLLECTORS and GENTILES!!! Say what? How dare he? The nerve of that man! And moreover, Jesus was saying that their attitudes were no better than those of these social outcasts! It’s possible that some of the humble people on that hillside were taking quiet pleasure in watching these proud religious leaders being taken down a few pegs. But Jesus wasn’t trying to attack any particular group; his concern was for all of his hearers.
What about us? How many of us are very careful to be polite and kind to those whom we love and cold and aloof to those with whom we have differences? Certainly, this kind of behavior would not meet with Jesus’ approval. 1 Corinthians 13:5 states in part that “love pays no attention to a suffered wrong.” (NKJV Amplified)
We do not have to agree with someone else’s political views, but we do have an obligation to be kind and courteous. There is a story told of a fictional Protestant missionary in South America who was unhappy about having to work with the local Catholics/. “But Lord,” the missionary complained, “I don’t believe the same way the Catholics do. Why should I have to work with them?” “I don’t believe the same way you do either,” replied the Lord, “but I still work with you.”
PRAYER: Father God, our hearts are hard! We treasure up hurts and take revenge, even on fellow believers. Please take away our hard stony hearts and give us Your Heart of love and forgiveness. Help us to remember that you have given us everything, even when we have not deserved anything. Help us to love as you love and to pray for our persecutors. For as we pray, your Love will change our hearts. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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