“But love your enemies,
and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be
great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to
ungrateful and evil men (Luke 6:35)
Turning the cheek isn’t something that I would consider
to be one of my main qualities. In fact, I tend to have a hard time not being
bitter towards someone that has wronged me. Albeit, I have people constantly
tell me that I seem very patient and peaceful, but inside I’m just holding back
frustration, but then I tend to take my anger or frustration to God and just
kind of metaphorically throw it into His lap. What it comes to is I can’t get
rid of this personal angry and rage so I just pass it on to the one who can
help me get rid of it. He doesn’t only want us to get over ourselves when it
comes to being mad at others, but He pushes a step further. This is a heavy,
difficult task to be charged with: love your enemies.
Obviously, this is not something I struggle with alone.
Christians have been called close-minded and judgmental countless times. It
breaks my heart to hear such words against myself, because I genuinely do my
best to not judge others and usually have an extremely open mind (Especially
for being raised in a Baptist, homeschooling foundation. I know, your red flags
of brainwashed little Christian are going off, but that could be you being
judgmental as well). We quickly forget that Jesus came to die for everyone,
even the Pharisees, those who set themselves up as His enemy. Simply put, to do
anything other than to pray for the “enemies” against our faith and well-being
(ISIS, Westboro Baptist Church, Etc.) is to do the opposite of Christ. I know
it’s not easy, in fact this is just a challenge to me as anyone seeing as I
have a strong, burning dislike of Westboro, but we have been commanded to do
so. Take some time today and pray for those around you that you just can’t
stand. God is gracious to all and we are to follow in His steps. Good luck, by
the way.
Carl J Bromley.
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