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One of the reasons I love walking through the door of our home is because our dog Gracee is always there to greet me.  Whether I’m home for lunch or home for the evening, she is thrilled to see me.  She often brings a toy along for the tail-wagging greeting in case I’m in the mood for a few minutes of play. 

Interestingly, her feelings toward me are not based on my recent accomplishments, my standing in the community, or the strength of my credit rating.  She just likes me because I like her.  Forgive me if I’m taking this too far, but isn’t that an honorable approach. 

As Christians, we are instructed to love those who love us, but it doesn’t stop there.  We are even instructed to love those who hate us.  Listen to this Bible passage and see if it challenges you like it does me.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:38-48, English Standard Version