Love Your Enemies

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

"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 children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 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 and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:38-48 

Love Your Enemies

The radiating late spring sun

a warm loving embrace and wind

gentle and sprinkled with birdspong

and you would find fault with today.

The enemy you fear is sitting with you

the terrorist is none other than you

we can sew seeds of forgiveness

or choke the life out of tender blossoms.

Indifference is not nearly enough

actively seeking friendship with stranger

calling the broken to the family table

we are mending God's family one by one.

The divine voice is on the rustling wind

calling us all to come home and eat

the fruits of joy and the tender green shoots

we are to feast when hating i done.