One Minute Meditation | Sun, May 25

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You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48).

In the old TV show “M*A*S*H” Frank Burns said, “It’s nice to be nice to the nice.” As goofy as that sounds, we get it. It’s easy to be nice to the people who look like us, act like us, and agree with us. But how about those who aren’t like us? We have trouble loving them, don’t we? It seems we confuse “loving” them with “agreeing” with them. Loving others isn’t the same as condoning their behavior. Loving others isn’t the same as giving approval to their beliefs. Loving others is about listening to others and understanding where they are coming from. Loving others is then sharing the truth. Jesus didn’t approve of the adulterous woman’s behavior, but He loved her enough to forgive her and tell her to live a new life (see John 8:1-11).

REFLECT

Who do you need to listen to more closely?

RESPOND

Prayer:  Jesus, help me be more like You—less judgmental and more loving. I ask this in Your gracious, loving, and forgiving name.  Amen.