Loving your enemies

In the culture of first century Jerusalem, receiving a slap in the face was considered the ultimate degradation. Even today when we are insulted, we say, "That was a real slap in the face." There is no doubt about it- you have been publicly humiliated by an arrogant, opinionated ignoramus. You can still feel the sting of his slap on your face. Your adrenaline is flowing; your anger level is skyrocketing. Your honor is at stake. You know you could knock this guy into the middle of next week if you wanted to. And inside your head, voices saying, "Rocky,Rocky,Rocky!"

The moment of truth has arrived. What are you going to do? In the sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands his followers to show radical love. Don't slap him back. Don't scream at him. don't kick him in the shins. Don't curse him under your breath. Instead, look the man straight in the eye and remind yourself that, in spite of his arrogance and anger, he matters to God.