The Christian Approach - By Pastor Gary Patterson
"You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust." (Matthew 5:43-45)
I have seen it too often that Christians deal with difficult people a lot like those of the world. There seems to be no love demonstrated when there is conflict. We fight for the rights that are ours, and refuse to come to a healthy resolution of the problems at hand. Following a heated confrontation there is only bitter feelings, and a sad, sickening standoff between the parties involved. Many have taken their bitter feelings toward others, to their graves. Is this the approach Jesus wants us to take, in dealing with difficult people, and difficult circumstances?
According to our text, it certainly isn't. You say, "It's hard to love difficult people. It's hard to love those who want to take advantage of you, or take it out on you because of the negative situation they are in." Or a disagreement in regards to how a situation should be handled.
I don't care, whether it is in a relationship with someone, a family, a community, and yes a church. There is going to be disagreements and conflict.
But what is missing in our handling of such matters? According to Jesus, it is love! Look at what He says: "love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who spitefully use you." Someone would say: "Are you kidding me, I can't do those things!" I can't treat people better than they have treated me!" "If I am hurt, than I am going to hurt back, I am going get revenge and retribution.
But then the question comes: 'Who are we as Christians to please? The Lord, Or ourselves?
But another question that we should look at is: "Why should we do the things that Jesus instructs us to do, in dealing with difficult people?"
I believe that love is a virtue that has the power to resolve things quicker, and produces positive results. If a person knows, that even in the conflict they are loved, and cared about, they will make an effort to meet someone at least half-way.
Love will in time, provide a way for resolution, healing, and a building of future respect and support.
If there is ever a time where this is needed, it is now.
With all of the controversy and conflict going on in our Country, love for one another is what is needed so desperately today.
So why not try Jesus' approach? With love, we cannot lose. And even if things do not get better, at least we know that we did the best we could.
As the apostle Paul wrote to Christians at Rome: "If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18) And in so doing, we can have peace. GP
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