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 scars don't seem to fade fast
the hurt lingers in the darkness
memories of that bloody trauma
arise from the earth unbidden.

Fists tight, hurt jaw clenched
we are ready for another attack
though the sirens are silenced
forever we fear it will return.

Hate grows in that fear garden
the only antidote is greater love
poured on in huge buckets full
forgiveness spilling out all around.

The panic and fear will return
yet we always have the remedy
letting loose  a cloud forgiveness
will dispell the deep anxiety.

May we face the day with love
sharing more than we receive
releasing all the horrific threats
to be turned to joy in the sun.