In this land of paradoxes we are brothers and sisters in Christ and at the same time we are enemies nationally and politically. We are the people who have the peace of Christ, but we are divided in the world of conflict and war.
I struggle a lot with this dichotomy, especially when I dwell too much on the conflict and allow it to shape my mind. Thank God, I am not condemned to stay in this pit. I have found two ways that help me return to the higher reality that is in Christ: evangelism and fellowship.
Sharing the good news of Jesus with my national enemy opens heavenly outlets of love otherwise unattainable, and with that love flows in a healing power that makes me "slain in love."
The second way is fellowship, seeking you, my brother and sister. I need you, I want to see you in every one of your people's faces-even the most unlovable-and love them because of you.
"Love your enemy" is only possible when we are living out "love one another." The body of Messiah is not some kind of place to escape to; it is not a sandy desert, and we are not ostriches. The church is the reality where we receive Christ's life in fellowship with all of its pain and joy, peace and conflict, doubt and assurance, all brought under the lordship of the King and his healing power. The body of Christ is the best school, where loving my brother makes me able to love my enemy. Do not give up on me. Don't hide your face.
- 19 NOVEMBER -