I had my share of people whom I had personal grudges, and I am sure you hold grudges against people. I know that when people see the love of Christ in you, they soften their attitude towards you.
Background: The Assyrians conquered northern Israel, including Samaria. After defeating the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the Assyrians adopted a policy of racial assimilation. They deported the Jews to Assyria and brought in other people groups to repopulate Samaria and marry the remaining Jews still in the land. The Samaritans devised their religion, a hybrid of Judaism and paganism (2 Kings 17:22–41), with a temple of their own on Mount Gerizim (see John 4:20–23). The Samarians action created deep-seated hostility between the peoples of Judea and Samaria (Ezra 4:1–3)
Jesus brought salvation for all people, including Samaritans. He ventured into the heart of Samaria to bring living water to a sinful woman and her town (John 4:4–42). His last words to His disciples were to follow His example. They share His good news with everyone, beginning in Jerusalem and dispersing through Samaria until they reached “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
We must share His good news with everyone. Jesus matters more to us than our grievances. Love your “Samaritan.”
Reflect
How can you begin to show love to those who are not very loving? When have you been loving to a problematic person and then found them softening?
My prayer for us:
Father, may the waves of Your love crash over us, producing a torrent that streams to others through us.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/08/23) Loving Your Enemy, Mike Wittmer, retrieved from www.odb.org 23/08/2021 Loving Your Enemy.