February 25
The Greatest Test
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… giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue, … and to brotherly kindness, love.
2 Peter 1:5,7 (NKJV)
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… love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them and don’t be concerned that they might not repay. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Luke 6:27,28,35,36 (NLT)
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Have you had to deal with someone who rubs you the wrong way—all the time? That person who has it out for you no matter what you do? Maybe you don’t like them and the feeling is mutual. Could it be that your downfall, your embarrassment, your financial ruin or demise seems to be their ultimate goal in life? How do you deal with such a thing? Well, Jesus gave us the answer—in His words and actions.
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The ultimate test of my discipleship is to love these people—just like Jesus did. That’s right. God commanded me to love others as He loved me. That means sacrifice, endurance, and going the extra mile with the people who would crucify me.

You see, the people who abuse me need Him, but how will they see Him if I keep getting in the way. If I seek revenge, if I treat them as they treat me, I block a pathway to the Good News. These people are not stupid. They observe and they take careful note. The question is: whom do they see … me or Christ in me?

Lord, it is hard, and yet, there is a special joy in returning good for evil, in pursuing peace over revenge, and in living completely for You rather than for myself. Fill me, shine through me, and somehow open their eyes to Your goodness. In Jesus’ name ... I pray for them. Amen.