Each of us has our own unique “comfort zone”. It includes the places we go, the things we do, the words we say, the food we eat and the people with whom we share our lives. It is part of personality. It is a part of life.
But Jesus often asks us to “step outside” of that zone we find comfortable.
love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you
Love my enemies? You’ve got to be kidding! Why would I do that? While we may not like what our enemies are doing, what they believe, or what they say, they are still people. A person created in the image and likeness of God. So how can we love our enemies? We may need to take a little time to reflect on who exactly that might be.
While we may want to think about terrorists, or Nazi’s, or even murderers, when we think of enemies, in reality, very few of us, fortunately, have ever met or even personally know anyone that falls into those categories. What about the acquaintance/co-worker/etc. who is of a different political party or belief from yours? Can you love them by treating them with the dignity they deserve as a child of God? Or maybe that ex, whether it be a spouse or an in-law? Can you pray for them?
Jesus continues by asking
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that?
Can you speak pleasantly to the person that just cut you off in the checkout line at the store? Can you go visit a patient at the nursing home, even if you don’t know them? Can you sign up for a ministry that visits those in jail or prison? What about helping to share or pass on your faith by helping to teach faith formation, join a small group, or leading a bible study? Wouldn’t that be stepping outside your comfort zone by greeting people you may not know?
We never know what God may ask us to do. But we do know how God wants us to act, even if we fail at times, it is still a goal we need to strive to achieve.
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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