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 hate and anger we hold
eats away at the heavenly within
takes up residence in the heart
makes us fragile and broken down.

Love lifts us from the deep grave
of rusted revenge and sad jealousy
hoists us into the warm sunlight
evaporating shadow and pain.

Love will not build walls or club
there is no VIP or exclusive here
love is divine , tender and holy
fully available to our human frames.

Love can reform and transform
these cracked and worn vessels
repaving the roads to redemption
leading us on anew way home.