‘Not enough mercy’

Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you. — Matthew 5:44                                               

A nationally known radio commentator once went on a tirade against Christians. He ridiculed their views of the endtimes, particularly the return of Christ for His church. He said that “the evaporation of 4 million people who believe this nonsense would leave this world a better place.”

It wasn’t long before the network apologized to any listeners who were offended. But the commentator himself refused to say he was sorry. He received hate mail, venomous condemnations, and even death threats from professing believers. This convinced him more than ever that the world would be better off without people filled with this kind of hatred.

It’s unfortunate and sad to see Christians become so enraged. As Joseph Stowell, president of Moody Bible Institute, said, “There’s too much mean and not enough mercy.” When followers of Jesus spend more time condemning their enemies than praying for them or showing love to them, they lose their spiritual credibility.

Jesus expects us to stand out from the world by letting our “light so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works and glorify [our] Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). One way we live that out is by obeying His command to love our enemies (v.44). — David Egner  

It’s easy to love one who loves in return,

There’s no test of character—

     nothing to learn;

The real lesson comes when we follow Christ’s call

To love those who’d rather see us take a fall. — Carbaugh                                    

READ:Matthew 5:43-48

The warmth of love can melt the heart of an enemy.

The Bible in one year:

• Acts 27-28