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Make room for love

March 6, 2023

Daniel 9:3–10  |  Psalm 79:1–9  |  Luke 6:27–38

In Luke 6:27-38, Jesus gives us one of the hardest and seemingly contradictory directives in all of scripture:  Love your enemies.   This is not one of those paradoxical statements that needs to be unwound and rewound to be understood.  This one is clear on its face.  We are told to love people we dislike, maybe even hate. 

Although the directive may strike us unnatural, it should come as no surprise.  We are implored repeatedly in Scripture to love one another.  That means everyone, not just the people we already love or like.  As Jesus puts it, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?”  If we can love our enemies, expecting nothing in return, Jesus tells us that our reward will be great. 

I believe God wants us to love our enemies not only because they too are his children, but also so that we can be free of the burden of hate and enmity.  Hate is a powerful force.  We can be swept up in it and, for a short time, energized by it.  But the energy it provides is destructive.  Unchecked it becomes toxic and consuming.  In hate, we lose sight of the light and life that comes from love,  the love God has for us and asks that we have for one another.  God wants us to let go of hate so that we can make room for love and live in fellowship with one another and with God.

May we each find the mercy and grace to give and receive the love that is God’s gift to us. 

Stacey Nakasian