“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you
even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” -Philippians
3:18
Churches that treat people like enemies are missing the
point.
Atheists are not our enemies. Homosexuals are not our
enemies. Politicians are not our enemies, regardless of party. Muslims are not
our enemies. If anything, they are exactly who we are to invest our love and
care in.
There are people who don’t believe what you believe, and may
never even come close to agreeing with you. There are even people who want to
humiliate you for what you believe or prove you wrong if possible. You can call
them enemies if you like, but you are never supposed to treat them as such. When
Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, he talked about people who were working
against him, spreading lies about him, trying to crush his reputation. Paul
said that when he thought of those people it broke his heart; that he thought
about them with tears. He didn’t
ignore or explain away what they were doing. He just chose sorrow instead of
anger when he thought of them. If the church is going to impact the world
today, we need to become expert at loving people that we disagree with. Love is
not an optional part of Christian life, it's mandatory. It’s not easy. It can’t be
faked. It won’t be perfect, but it always has to be the goal. People may often
combat your arguments, but it’s hard to explain away authentic care. When you trust
the truth you know about God, you won’t need to become defensive when someone
challenges it. You can hear them out and discuss it if possible, but you don’t have
to hate them. You can simply choose to give them what God has given you,
patience and love.
Photo Courtesy of Death To Stock Photo
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