United We Stand became the slogan of the American spirit, but, as expected, faded as normalcy returned. In a day where political affiliations ruin relationships, other religious texts are desired for kindling, and standing up for truth (biblical) is synonymous with violence and self-righteous anger (unbiblical) the body of Christ needs to adopt this slogan as their own. Not necessarily as a statement of our oneness through Christ (which we are), but as a commitment to follow in His footsteps.
You have heard it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy,' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust ~Matthew 5:43-45
The Holy Spirit, through James, declared faith without works dead faith. Loving our enemies is one of the many works which proves our faith is alive. It also gives validation to our standing as sons of the Father. Why? As sons we are to imitate our Father who made us sons because of His love for His enemies.
For if while we still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us...For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. ~Romans 5:6,8,10
Ashamed, I have failed to live as a faithful son. I can't think of the last time I genuinely prayed for my enemies: personal or spiritual. Thankfully it's not too late to start pleading for our enemies before the Throne of Grace. On a day where hate and bitterness come easy, what better way can we demonstrate the love, mercy, and grace of our God?
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