January 14, 2010

LOVE THEM ANYWAY. . . ARE YOU KIDDING?

Key Verse
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44)
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Central Truth

In God's economy, things don't look like we think they should. We are called to do things that we would never dream of doing. God calls us to love and pray for our enemies, even when we don't want to.

Reflections

My teenage years were very hard for me. On the outside I looked like I had everything going for me--I was the popular girl, the cheerleader, the one with all of the dates. But on the inside I was very lonely because I was the one the other girls loved to hate.

Early on, my mother used to repeat Matthew 5:43-44 to me, almost daily, as well as many others (Proverbs 25:21-22; Luke 6:27-28, 35-36; Romans 12:19-21). The message in these verses speaks about loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. I can remember thinking, "Are you kidding? It would be so much easier to hate them back and wouldn't it feel good to be mean just as they have been to me?" But God tells us in Romans 12:17, "Do not repay evil for evil."  

During that time I used to think this seemed crazy and backwards, but in God's economy our thoughts are not like His thoughts, and our ways are not like His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Those years were some of the loneliest times in my life, but in trying to love my enemies, I was honoring God along the way. As I loved my enemies, God blessed me with friendships and brought me my best friend!

Interestingly enough, I am years away from my teenage days, but some things haven't changed much. I find myself loving my neighbors and my friends who love me well. That's the easy part. Where I find God continuing to stretch me is in loving those who are different from me, who oppose me, and who persecute my children. Life has come full circle. As my middle child entered intermediate school two years ago, he was teased and picked on daily, even getting his lunch stolen. I found myself sharing with him the very verses that my mom had shared with me years ago. I find myself being continually called to love all people because Jesus did it first, and that is what He is calling me to do today. Is He calling you, too?

Discussion Questions

1. Is it easier for you to love those close to you than your enemies? If so, why do you think this is?

2. Do you have any enemies? List them right now, stop, and pray for them.

3. How often do you love and pray for your enemies or those who hurt you?
 
4. Is there someone in your past that you need to forgive for something that he/she has done to you or someone you love? If so, stop right now and do that. If you don't know how, Watermark did a series titled Lord of the Ring that dealt with conflict resolution--you can listen at the following link: http://www.watermarkradio.com/index.php?id=153&channel=-1&series=30&message=0.

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Is there anyone in your life that might be hurt by you or angry with you? What does verses 23-24 say you need to do?

2. Is there someone who has hurt you? What does verse 44 say you need to do?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Watermark Community Church.

  1. January 14, 2010 05:50 AM

    Thanks Ms. Green this was great for me. I am dealing with some good news and bad news. The good news is I found out I have two little sisters which is great,I love it and we talk almost everyday. The bad news is she has the number for me to call my dad. I keep saying I'm going to forgive him,but how you forgive someone who picks you up at eight years old,and this being the first time you have ever seen him in your life. He takes you to McDonald's and then drops off the face of the earth. It hurts to hear the things he has said to my sisters,he never wanted us to know about each other. I don't know if I'm ready or if I will ever be ready to forgive him.

  2. David Williams

    January 14, 2010 07:57 AM

    If any enemy steals your lunch, would it be cool to punch him in the nose...and then pray for him? Man, it is hard to love your enemies...good reminder. David

  3. toby loftin

    January 14, 2010 08:23 AM

    thank you, Carrie

  4. Anne Bush

    January 14, 2010 09:52 AM

    Great reminder to love and pray for everyone, especially for those who we think are not so easy to love. I love your Romans 12 reference, to not repay evil for evil, but with kindness. It is hard to remember that it is God's duty to avenge, not ours, afterall we are all sinners and all need His forgiveness. thanks carrie!

  5. Kevin Green

    January 14, 2010 10:07 AM

    Thanks sweetie for the way you are transparent about the "stuff" that you are working through. Its a great help to me in my daily walk. Thanks for being a great wife and fantastic mom, I am excited to see you when I get home! To the anonymous responder at 5:50 am-work through this NOW brother!! Find me if you attend Watermark. Or find others you are already connected with (others that are pursuing Christ)with and process this now before another day passes. Don't let what someone else did keep you from the rich life that God intends for you to have. Easy to say but hard to do. Read 1 Cor 10:13 and put it in your heart because it is true...we know its true because all scripture is "God breathed".

  6. jo

    January 14, 2010 10:09 AM

    thank you for sharing wisdom that i suspect touches everyone's heart.

  7. Patricia Simmons

    January 14, 2010 11:18 AM

    Thanks, Carrie for your wisdom and honesty. I pray for you, your family and especially sweet Grace. My heart is for you and your journey as a mom of this precious little girl. God will always give you and her the strength to press on...you and Grace are walking well with Him. I just love hearing about normal days and normal things...I pray for many of those days for you and the family. Hugs to you.

  8. Kathy Fehlbaum

    January 14, 2010 02:58 PM

    Thanks for the reminder, especially in light the current debate over "hate speech" by a well-know Christian leader. We Christ followers should be known for our KINDNESS, as we're reminded in the Luke passage you cited, "he [God] is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Thanks for the inspiration, Carrie Green!

  9. Lauren Dempsey

    January 14, 2010 03:10 PM

    So fun to watch you love your kids, Carrie. I see you in the sweet, young lady Grace is becoming. Thanks for always being a smiling face and a constant encourager.

  10. Julie Hildebrand

    January 14, 2010 04:41 PM

    Carrie - Thank you for sharing all that you do. I love the way you so open about your hurts and struggles. I know it's not even easy to say you were "the one with all the dates.... the one the other girls loved to hate." That may seem like a great position to be in, but obviously it came with a lot of pain. Thank you for your honesty. I always love to hear what you have to say! Julie

  11. Cannon

    January 14, 2010 09:22 PM

    Good message. I had the same experience when I was starting middle school. What a coincidence!

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Carrie Green

Carrie Green

I'm Carrie Green. I am daily blessed by my wonderful husband and best friend, Kevin, and our three incredible kids: Taylor (25), Cannon (13), and Grace (9).

My two favorite spots in the world are my home, where I love spending time with family and friends, or on our favorite beach, watching the blue sea.

I spent the first 30 years of my life trying to please others and win the approval of man. Thankfully, God never let go of me and loves me in spite of myself! I love to tell others about His amazing grace in my life.