The Pinnacle of Christian Obedience

Today I was humbled yet again by my friend, Samara. Not many people know her because she is a quiet woman who never draws attention to herself and rarely speaks up in a crowd. But oh! If you take the time to just be quiet in her presence and listen to her, you stumble onto a radiant treasure. I love being around her. I love spending time with her adorable daughter. She is a creative, godly, happy woman.

But today? Today I saw again the depth of her godliness. Attacked this week, yet again, by a selfish and immature–arguably mentally ill–person, Samara responded day after day with genuine humility and abiding patience. I wanted to confront this person and tell her to stop hurting my friend! But Samara said no, that wouldn’t be the loving thing to do. So instead, she sought help from our pastor, scheduled a meeting with this person, and set in place a detailed plan with our pastor and deacons to serve this person.

Samara reminded me that love for enemies is the pinnacle of Christian obedience to God. It is easy to love people who love us. But it demands a powerful work of God’s Spirit to love those who are committed to harming us, or those who are simply unlovely. This is the measure and mirror of a Christian (Christ-like) life.
 
Do you want to know that you are being conformed to Christ? Obeying him? Reflecting him? Consider this: How do you treat your enemies? Those who hurt you?

In Matthew 5:43-48, Christ taught us: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. … If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”