Come Into Our Relationships
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45
On Christmas Eve 1914, soldiers in the trenches of the Western Front huddled on opposing sides. That is until someone decided to sing a carol. Others on the German side joined in, and soon the Brits across the field were adding their voices. Finally, a voice called out, “Come over here!” Another voice called back, “Meet me halfway!”
Nervously a man from the German side met a man from the British ranks. Instead of exchanging bullets, they shook hands. Soon men from both sides were meeting in the middle, laughing, and wishing one another a Merry Christmas.
Christmas seems like as good a time as any to meet our enemies in the middle. No doubt there have been differences of opinion. Ill-timed and cringeworthy words have been uttered. Feelings have been hurt.
And yet, if one man singing a carol could convert a battlefield to a social setting, surely one text, one card, one sentence or kind thought could be an impetus that just might result in a cease-fire.
Maybe your goodwill will fall flat. Maybe it will be thrown back in your face. Even so, send it with a prayer that God replaces hate with love. It may not cause immediate change, but it might start to turn the tide.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give us the grace to get past the pain and to act in love. Heal our hurts and bind broken hearts as only you can do. Amen.
Written by Amber Albee Swenson
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry
