Monday, January 13, 2003
Monday, January 13, 2003
No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them
something
to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads."
"Are you not a pastor?" the lawyer asked. "And doesn't the word pastor mean `shepherd'?" To
this definition the minister agreed. "Well, if you are a shepherd, why aren't you out taking care
of
the sheep?"
"Because today," said the pastor, "I'm fighting the wolves!" Well, there are wolves out there.
Some enemies need to be made. If there are persons who are hurting others and you are in
the
position of being able to stop them, then that is an enemy you need to make. Notice that Jesus
did not say, "Do not have enemies." Anyone who tries to do anything of significance in this
world
is going to have enemies. I can guarantee you that both Mother Teresa and Billy Graham, as
respected as they are, have enemies.
Our challenge is not to let our enemies distract us from faithfully serving our master.
(Romans 12.20
NRSV)
I recall a story about a pastor who was concerned about some unsavory businesses that had
opened near a school. His protests finally led to a court case, and the defense attorney did all
he
could to embarrass the pastor.
Dear Jesus, help me to love my enemies as I work to faithfully serve you. Amen.
