Instead of hate, Jesus gives us a nw opposite law: Love our enemies. Whereas we've been loving the ones we are closest to, and hating those we consider enemies, Jesus says now we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

What? The ones who give us a hard time and make life miserable? Why?

Because, Jesus says, then we'll be like our Heavenly Father, who gives sunshine and rain to both the good and the bad - when we love instead of hate.

I guess that includes those who hate God, say there is no God, the ones who worship other gods, or even Satan. It occurs to me that it would certainly be in God's power to withhold sunshine and rain from those who hate Him, but they wouldn't last long, would they?

He doesn't want us to withhold love and intercession for anyone either. I've become convinced that when someone needs extra love and prayer to bring them to the right path, God allows them to mix with us in unhappy, painful ways. All to set us up to praying harder for them, and to work at being kind and loving to them.

That doesn't mean it's easy when we try 'not to hate' in our own strength. But just let us throw ourselves upon the Lord and beg for help, and we'll be amazed at how we can love our enemies after all - instead of hate for them.

As a teen I had to draw on the Lord's grace to forgive a wayward brother who was an embarrassment to our family. Later it was parents who misunderstood me and were not demonstrative. There have been others too. Always, I've had to use the Lord's grace, not mine, not to hate, but to let go of my hurt, and no longer hold it against the others.