Define Love

Last Sunday's sermon came from the closing verses of Romans 12. Paul explains that we should love our enemies to the extent that we actually pray for God's blessings on those who persecute us. The idea is central to the Gospel because, as Paul explains elsewhere, Christ died for us while we were still his enemies. To my surprise, this core idea generated quite a bit of debate and discussion after worship.

One of my friends asked, "But how am I supposed to love Al Qaeda?" Another was more precise: "What is intended by the word 'love?' Does God want me to love my enemy the way I love my brother or my wife?" I didn't even have to speculate. The Bible clearly answers that question.

Christ summarized the Ten Commandments of the an Old Covenant into two principles for the New Testament: love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. Notice that I am not commanded to love any other human being the way I love my wife or my brother. My love for God must be whole hearted, but I am only required to love my neighbor the way I love myself.

Think about it: I never find myself overcome with affection and emotion when I stand before a mirror to brush my hair or knot my tie. I have never tried to hug myself in appreciation, exulting, "I love me!" That's not the way most of us love ourselves.

• I have feelings of warmth and appreciation for my family, my friends, and some relatives.
• I experience positive emotions when I am around people who treated me with kindness.
• But I'm not that excited about me. Nevertheless, I feed myself, clothe myself and forgive myself even when I have done seriously regrettable things. I pray for myself even when I am not happy with myself- especially when I'm not happy with myself.

That's the way God directs me to love my enemies and people who try to persecute me. I don't have to enjoy them, have affection for them, or tell them they look fabulous. Rather, I must show them kindness, treat them with courtesy, help them if I can, and pray for God to help them. I don't try to harm them anymore than I would try and harm myself. I tolerate myself and make sure my needs are met.

I don't seek revenge because I trust my Heavenly Father to be a righteous judge. He will ultimately balance the scales. He will surely pursue justice. His righteousness and faithfulness allow me enough space to do something supernatural- pray for people who would like to destroy me. Nobody ever said it would be easy.