You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:43-45).

Jesus said this.

Sometimes, I wish he hadn’t.

It’s just so stinking hard, you know?

Trust me–I just tried, a moment ago.  I prayed for someone who has caused me great, undeserved grief.  The prayer barely escaped my clenched brain and, frankly,  was not as heartfelt and authentic as one might hope.

Jesus is just so much better than I am. Jesus prayed for those who mocked and beat and crucified him, even as they were doing it.  

I can’t love like that.

Honestly, I don’t even want to.

Yet

But I want to want to, and I trust that someday, by His grace, this shrivelled old heart will flow with his love and his compassion and his forgiveness and…him.

The Potter, as it happens, is not yet finished with this particular lump.

Thank God.

Happy Wednesday, Beloved.