'The war to end all wars' turned out to be far from the mark, and brutal and destructive wars continue with increasing visibility and publicity. The best efforts of peace makers seem doomed, as wickedness and hatred grow relentlessly.
Jesus lived in much the same world, apart from the absence of television! The Roman military machine was well known for its efficient brutality.
And in that setting Jesus, laid down the most astonishing challenge.'“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.' (Matthew 5.43-45, 48)
The only way to eliminate our enemies is not to kill them, but to act in love towards them, so that we become friends. In practice, that often starts when we can pray God's blessing on those who are our enemies. That seems to bring about the change in us that is the next step to dealing with the enmity.
But this is the only remedy that works to bring about a new world order.
Today, I pray that the light and love of Jesus will come to those places where darkness and hatred rule.
Best wishes,
Richard
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