Difficulties

And I think this is what Jesus means when he says, “Love your enemies.”

And I'm so happy he didn't say, “Like your enemies,” because

it's kind of difficult to like some people. (

laughter

Like is sentimental; like is an affectionate sort of thing.

And you can't like anybody who's bombing your home

and threatening your children. It's hard to like a senator

who's spending all of his time in Washington standing against

all of the legislation that will make for better relationships

and that will make for brotherhood. It's difficult to like them.

But Jesus says, “Love them,” and love is greater than like.

Love is understanding, redemptive, creative goodwill for all men.

And so Jesus was expressing something very creative when he said,

“Love your enemies. Bless them that curse you.

Pray for them that despitefully use you.”