“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 children of your Father in heaven.“
Matthew 5:43-45

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JANUARY 3, 2025

My most recent book, titled Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies takes a deep, personal look at the topic we’re exploring this week: what Jesus had to say about loving God and loving each other.

At first glance, the fact that Jesus condensed all of God’s laws into two commands might seem overly simplistic. But when we start to unpack these two commands, that assumption vanishes. What does it mean to love God? Well, it includes loving your neighbor as yourself. And who is my neighbor?

Here’s where it gets sticky. Jesus answers this question not by pointing to the houses around our own, or to the people in our closest community. That’s a no-brainer, He says. Even people who don’t love God take care of their own. Instead, Jesus tells stories that point to strangers, even dangerous strangers, political enemies, heretics—and He says to love these people. Actively. Even if it’s dangerous. Even if it’s costly and expensive.

As Jesus teaches, the boundary around who we’re asked to love just keeps expanding further and further out—until we realize there’s no one left outside it. Is he your friend? Love him. Is she a stranger to you? Love her. Has this group of people proven themselves to be enemies? Love them. Is it going to cost you more than you can afford? Do it.

There’s simply to loophole here at all.

What I wrestled with in writing page after page is that Jesus really means this. Jesus even declared that this is how the world will recognize His true followers: not because of our steeples or bumper stickers or political parties, but because we’re famous for loving everybody. Even our enemies. And not just in our thoughts and feelings, but in our lives, our choices, where we live, how we spend our money and time. Everything.

Suddenly, everything in our life has been overturned. Turns out, summarizing all God’s commands into two isn’t overly simplistic after all: this is going to require submitting our entire lives to God.

But what a beautiful invitation that is.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Are Christians known as those who radically and lavishly love everyone? Are you?
  • How does Jesus include loving strangers and even enemies in this?
  • What would it look like if we took Him seriously?

 

Church Reading Plan:

  • Today, January 3: Genesis 3; Matthew 3
  • Saturday, January 4: Genesis 4; Matthew 4
  • Sunday, January 5: Genesis 5; Matthew 5