PODCAST
Love Rejects Revenge
October 3rd, 2014
Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus taught the two great commands: to love God completely, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This was the common teaching among God’s people at the time. Interestingly, since the command was to love their neighbor, people often assumed they did not have to love non-neighbors. They sometimes even hated their non-neighbors, if the circumstances were right.
Jesus taught otherwise. He invited his followers to enter into the love of God that extends to all, even to Israel’s enemies. This love led Jesus to the cross that provided atonement for those who had never asked for it and didn’t deserve it.
Today we have a choice. We can focus on self, or we can focus on the God who embodies the right in Jesus. We can measure doses of judgment and limit our love. Or we can become people of God’s boundless love who reflect Him to every person we encounter.
We can try to suppress our urge to get even, or we can join the One who leaves blessing along every path He walks.
Author: David Kendall
