But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44
“A Christian should always have a big heart and show respect for ask those who act as enemies, not because they are brothers, but because brothers they must become; one must show fraternal love towards him who is already a brother, and towards the one who acts as an enemy is that he may become a brother.”
Augustine of Hippo (354-430) in Commentary on the First Epistle of St. John 4, 10, 7.
Today’s post requires a measure of maturity to swallow. If you imagine an enemy in your mind, Jesus desires that person to become to you a brother. Ponder that.
When you and I were enemies to Christ, He made us brothers by His great love. We get to do the same for others. This reading resonated with me as I woke up in Poland today.
Poland is a place where thousands of Ukrainian refugees have fled from the ravages of war. My prayer for each one is the same: Be not overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.
But how do we love our enemies? Of course, it’s easier said than done. But a great first step to getting there is imagining, with God’s help, our enemy becoming a brother.
It’s been a fast but fruitful visit to Eastern Europe. I fly home this morning and get home this afternoon with the time change. Appreciate your prayers for safe travel.