Oaths, retaliation, enemies--Matthew 5:33-48

This past Sunday was the first Sunday of the New Year, and if you were in church you might have listened to a message about new starts. The first of the year is usually about new beginnings and opportunities for a do-over. In my church I heard a message stating how we are going to help others to know Jesus.

We have been challenged to spend 2011 practicing the Great Commission..."Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...".(Matthew 28:19) You will notice I wrote practice. That means we will fail, learn some and then practice again.

The scripture text for today found in Matthew 5:43-48 is about loving your enemies. To me this doesn't just mean loving those who hate me or wish me harm, but it means to seek out those who make me uncomfortable, or are different from me. Now, I have to admit, this idea does not particularly thrill me. It should, but I am not there yet.

I am going to practice praying for God to show me who I need to reach out to; because "first you pray." Then I am going to ask God for opportunity to talk with that person, learn about him/her, and discover our likenesses. Then I will diligently ask God to give me the words to invite, to share my story, or simply to hug for the time being and walk alongside. I think I can do that. Want to join me?

To read the text for today click here.