Daily Devotions

Continuing to dip into Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “Cost of Discipleship”, we find this Martyred German Lutheran Minister saying, “Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy's hatred, the greater his need of love. Be his enmity political or religious, he has nothing to expect from a follower of Jesus but unqualified love. In such love there is not inner discord between the private person and official capacity. In both we are disciples of Christ, or we are not Christians at all.”

Jesus was so clear about how the would be disciple should deal with enemies, simply to love them. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:43-44

Such a counter cultural instruction is hard and may well lead to multiple questions. Such as, where do I stand, Lord, in face of your invitation to become godlike in my kindliness? When I am struggling to survive in a hostile world, trying to care for a family, and earn my living, how do I keep my heart free of annoyances, resentments, even hatreds? Is it by only by keeping my eyes on you, and being patient with my falls from grace.

So, why love my enemy? Jesus gives one of those answers that shows why his Kingdom is not of this world, not even close. "So that you may be children of your Father in heaven." To be a child of God is to bear the family resemblance; to behave in ways reminiscent of God's purposes; to align our way of being with God's way of being God. 

What's God's way of being God? "He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust." Indiscriminate rain argues indiscriminate love. Neighbour or enemy, friend or persecutor, if they're out in the rain they get wet; if they encounter a Christian they get loved. Neighbour or enemy, friend or persecutor, if they're out in the sun they get warmed, and if they meet a disciple of Jesus they encounter love.

Almighty, all-merciful God, 

through Christ Jesus you have taught us to love one another, 

to love our neighbours as ourselves, 

and even to love our enemies. 

In times of violence and fear, 

let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, 

so that we may not be overcome with evil 

but overcome evil with good. 

Help us to see each person in light of the love and grace 

you have shown us in Christ. 

Put away the nightmares of terror 

and awaken us to the dawning of your new creation. 

Establish among us a future where peace reigns, 

justice is done with mercy, and all are reconciled. 

We ask these things in the name 

and for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.