Amongst Enemies

     Who are your enemies? Do they go to your school or your place of work? Perhaps they criticize the way that you look or the way that you dress or maybe they don't agree with your political or religious viewpoints. Maybe they have a bad influence on your children. Maybe they live in a less-than-pleasant area of town. Maybe they have guns. Maybe they sell drugs...maybe they don't. Maybe their skin is a color that makes you uncomfortable. Maybe the words that they speak make you uncomfortable. Maybe you make them uncomfortable. They might be part of your family or part of your church or part of your city. They might be your neighbors. Do you know your neighbors? If you are part of an older generation your enemies may be an entire group of people whom you were at war with. Webster's dictionary defines "enemy" as "one who feels hatred toward, intends injury to, or opposes the interests of another." Now, I am certainly not encouraging you to hate anyone, aside from Satan himself. I am, however, suggesting that each and every one of you have "opposed the interests of others," daily, most likely. I certainly have and continue to do so. Opposing those things that break the heart of God is not the issue. An issue comes about when these opposing interests keep us from sharing the love of Christ with those around us and those around the world. I have read a remarkable pairing of quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther, which brings me to tears each time I read it. I have no idea what "enemies" you are facing, but I would encourage you to read this quote carefully (and many times, if you are able) with those specific people in mind. I dare you to NOT be changed by it.
    "Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end all his disciples deserted him. On the Cross he was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause he had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes. There is his commission, his work. 'The kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the Kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ had done what you are doing who would ever have been spared' (Luther)."
     Who are your enemies, and how many people will never hear about the Amazing Grace through which you are saved, because of your fear and anger and resentment and un-forgiveness? "If Christ had done what YOU are doing who would ever have been spared?"