Luke 6:27

Here Jesus gives us a command that to follow requires supernatural enabling confirming to ourselves and to the world that we are indeed children of the King. Human nature recoils at the thought of loving an enemy much less doing good to them. Our natural tendency is to seek revenge – lashing out in any way that would injure them the most – totally forgetting the commands of Scripture: 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "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." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)
Sometimes I think we as Christians neglect this very important command leaving a poor taste for Christ in the mouths of all involved. As Christians, we are to die to self (revenge, selfish ambition, vain conceit, and harder still – our rights) in order to bear witness to the supernatural power of Christ within us. That is what gets the world’s attention. That is what turns the world to Jesus. Consider the disciples. They fumbled around, missed the mark on most of Jesus’ teaching, questioned, deserted, and claimed superiority among themselves – you name it and you probably can find it – all perfect examples of human nature on display. Scripture tells us:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (NIV)
Not to be rude, but many of us could have unschooled and ordinary used to describe us too! Yet, these rebel rousers, through the power of the Holy Spirit, changed the world for Christ – there is hope for us too! It is no different in our day. We are the most effective witnesses for Christ when we not only espouse truth but live it. That is shining the Light before men as Jesus stated: 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16 (NIV)
A light shines and gives direction, pointing the way to the proper path. If what we proclaim is not worthy of our own following, why in the world would anyone else conclude that it is a worthy path for them to follow? God does not merely give us His precious Word for us to take it lightly. He means what He says. This is not a mute point. Jesus states for us to hear, acknowledge, understand and heed this instruction. We are to love, esteem, cherish, favor, honor, respect, accept, prize, relish and be devoted to our enemies (that is actually what the word “love” here means). Not easy, yet commanded – it turned the world around back then, it could indeed do it again today. Any takers? “Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, and learning.” Frederick Faber “I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.” Mother Teresa “Our great honor lies in being just what Jesus was and is. What greater glory could come to any man?” A.W. Tozer “The experience of revival is nothing more than a new beginning of obedience to God.” Charles Finney