"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 43-45
This life is a glimmer. The Bible describes it as a vapor. Eternity is forever. God wants His creation reconciled to Him. The same grace and mercy He offered to us, He offers to everyone, everywhere:
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1Timothy 2: 3-4
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10: 12-13
There is no difference between us and the people we are sometimes called to hate. We both are sinners, although now we are saved by grace. That same opportunity for grace exists for them as well. We are the vehicles God uses to show His goodness, His mercy and His love. What do they see from us? Do not get tied up with the thinking of this world. Do not look to another for a reason to feel better about yourself . Once in the past that other person was you. Yet God reached down and saved you. There is no one beyond that mercy and saving grace. No one.
Reverend Anthony Wade July 22, 2010
