Beyond Boundaries

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors[a] do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?[b] 48 So be perfect,[c] just as your heavenly Father is perfect.-Matthew5:43-48

We, humans, love only those we want to love. And when we hate, well, we sure would like to make it known one way or another, directly or indirectly. Jesus pushed the boundaries of love. Actually, Jesus has put a brand new name to love. It is easy to say love your enemies, but it is difficult to do especially if the hurt, pain and anger run deep. But all is possible in the name of love and in the name of God. Remember, Jesus still prayed for those who sent Him on the cross. Jesus forgave Peter and His other disciples for leaving Him. Jesus loved those who are unlovable. He did it when He was very much human. We can do it too through His grace.

Image courtesy: The Passion of the Christ