Love Not Hate

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be the children of your Father in Heaven. ~ Matthew 5: 44

Today’s gospel reading is a challenging one. It begins with the Hebrew Scripture verse of an eye for an eye. Jesus then proposes a new way of thinking, a turning away from violence and hatred. As I have watched the Candace Derksen trial, I have thought often of Wilma, her mother, and the times I have heard her speak on forgiveness. Watching her and Cliff move through these weeks of the trial, I can see they are children of God in Heaven.

Loving your enemies is not easy. Forgiving those who have hurt you sometimes seems like a hurdle too high to jump. I have struggled with forgiving people and with trying to let go of grudges. Mostly I have succeeded in finding that amazing place of grace, of being able to move beyond myself and to see with eyes more like God’s.

What would this world look like if we could love our enemies? If we could not hang on to what we think should happen? If we could get out of the way and let peace flow through us? If we could say that my way is not the only way? If we could find a heart of flesh for the person who has done us wrong? If we could let go instead of hoard those feelings of anger and hatred? What would happen then?

Peace,

Suzanne