I had an interesting conversation over the holiday. Somehow, while wishing Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to friends, someone at the table asked, “Can you wish everybody well? How about someone who was an abuser, a criminal, a bully? Is it possible to wish that person well?”
It is a good question. Jesus provided us with an answer, or at least he leads us to an answer.
When Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Should I forgive as many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “Not just seven times, but rather as many as seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21-22)
Another time, Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-48).
And when he was dying on a cross, he did not condemn those who carried out the crucifixion or the crowd that mocked him during his last hours. He said, “Father, forgive them.”
It is clear, Jesus calls us to love not just those who love us back, not just those who wish us well, but EVERYBODY. Those who follow Christ are called to love in the same way he loved. That can be hard to do. It certainly can be at odds with our own inclinations. But that is what he calls us to do and, with God’s help, we can have the courage and faith to do what he did. Retribution and revenge is off the table. I may still have likes and dislikes about what others say or do. I will want to limit the harm that a mean-spirited person does to me and others. But I am to show love and consideration and kindness to everybody .
The other person at the table, the one who raised the question, was not someone who had been to church much. He was a bit flabbergasted that anyone would ever act this way. Yeah, I suppose it does sound crazy, but that’s what it means to follow Christ.
Grace and peace,
Steve Larsen