If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
Luke 6:32 (NASB)
After a family dispute that ended in court, Andrew and his longtime neighbor became enemies. Their conflict was so complicated that the neighbor decided to move to another neighborhood. Nine months later, at a special service held by his church for veterans, Andrew saw his neighbor sitting in the row reserved for special guests. As the veterans were being thanked and honored, in an act of love, Andrew approached his neighbor, gave him a military salute, held his hand, and hugged him to express his love and pride for the sacrifice his neighbor made for his country.
When Jesus exhorts us to forgive and love those who hate us in this chapter, that is exactly what he is asking us to do—to put aside our grudges and differences and love others as they are, no matter how they may feel about us. Such an act of love will undoubtedly lead them to experience Christ’s love and sacrifice for them through us. Andrew could have ignored his neighbor and continued to hold a grudge, but instead he chose to put aside their differences, forgive his neighbor, and give him the honor he deserves.
Imagine the impact Andrew’s gesture had on his neighbor! It is the same impact your act of love can have on your coworkers, your neighbors, and even your brothers and sisters in Christ with whom you disagree on some issue. By the grace of God, may this act of love be the one you will always show when things get tough between you and your neighbors.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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