The gospel produces a radically different approach to life. The natural reaction is to love those who love us, and hate those who do us harm, but Jesus tells us to love those who hate us (Matthew 5:43-45). We are to pray for the well being of those who do us harm. This does not mean pretending that what they are doing is not wrong, but we are to pray for their highest good. The natural reaction is to put ourselves in the judgement seat, but this position belongs only to God. This is what Paul means when he says "leave room for God's wrath". The best outcome is that someone repents and turns to God, and that is what we are to work towards. Now, Paul is perfectly aware that not all will do so, but we trust God to do any judging that needs to be done. In fact the very act of helping our enemies will throw them into confusion.
We are not to be self-centred, but to rejoice with others who are rejoicing, and to share in the sorrows of those who mourn. We are not to have a high opinion of ourselves, but to consider others better than ourselves (Phil 2:3). This does not mean having a demeaning opinion of ourselves, but considering others to be of great value.
As far as it is possible we are to live at peace with each other. Again, Paul is very aware that it is not always possible, but we should make sure that we do not give people a justifiable excuse for being offended by us.
No comments:
Post a Comment