“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” —Luke 6:27
Jesus had a way of challenging His followers right to their very core. And His instructions from the Bible stand even today:
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.
Even in the midst of a year rife with heartbreak and division.
The ongoing stress of a global pandemic combined with a hostile political landscape has splintered the nation. People may not be especially kind about their words whether online or in person, and Jesus wants me to love those who only seem to offend me?
Why?
Because He does the same for you and every other human being on planet Earth.
Jesus chose to see you as God’s beautiful creation. Your sin—that is, the bad things you say, do or think—is offensive to Him. But Jesus saw past that. He chose to love you so much that He willingly died on the cross for you (Romans 5:8). For all of us.
>>Learn more about the gift of Jesus’ love.
Jesus responded to us in love.
For us to respond with Jesus’ love to others doesn’t mean we’ll necessarily agree with a particular political position. Jesus had compassion for every person He encountered (Matthew 9:36), but He never wavered from God’s truth.
Neither should you. Here are 5 Bible-based strategies to help you navigate the days ahead.
Speak in love.
Jesus didn’t shy away from talking about the tough topics, and you don’t have to either. Just remember to keep God’s truths in mind when responding to people. Billy Graham once encouraged someone to lean on God while talking with sensitive family members.
>>Read Billy Graham’s response.
>>Encouraging verse: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Forgive easily—even when not asked.
You will not agree with every word that comes out of another person’s mouth, so what are you going to do about it? Mr. Graham encouraged one reader to remember how God sees you and don’t let the comments of others derail His truths. Strive to be a peacemaker in your own family.
>>Read Billy Graham’s response.
>>Encouraging verse: “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11).
Apologize.
As noted earlier, you’re human. Just as you won’t agree with others all the time, you’re probably not going to get it right all the time. When you say something the wrong way, tell the people you hurt that you’re sorry. Mr. Graham once urged one reader to offer an apology even if it was rejected.
>>Read Billy Graham’s response.
>>Encouraging verse: “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25).
Weary not.
Seventy times seven, Jesus told His disciple, Peter. That’s how many times you should forgive someone who offends you. Cultivate a heart of compassion, Mr. Graham once encouraged someone.
>>Read Billy Graham’s response.
>>Encouraging verse: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
Set ground rules.
If all else fails, and you simply cannot discuss a particular topic without ugliness, then attempt to declare it off limits for your family gathering, or be prepared to change the subject on your trip to the water cooler at work. Be kind, but firm. Mr. Graham gave similar advice to a person dreading a family reunion.
>>Read Billy Graham’s response.
>>Encouraging verse: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Human nature means people will disagree on topics, particularly topics like politics that can have far-reaching implications for our lifestyles. But those of us who call Jesus our Lord can find a way to discuss without demeaning. We can live in His peace even if we see the world a little differently.
