He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
I am going to do a seminar on the topic "Poverty & Social Justice" at a local Christian Medical and Dental Society meeting in a couple of weeks. Not sure if I am qualified to teach this complicated subject but I will share my experience as I understand it in my capacity as a family doctor as well as a Christian.
I wrote a blog not too long ago called "Treating Poverty". As I reflect back what I learned from these scriptural verses I am once again reminded of my riches in Christ Jesus and my responsibility to my fellow men:
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9)
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." (Isaiah 58:6-11)
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:17)
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
I will ask a patient of mine to help the students take a clinical history that will uncover many of the issues that the poor faces in our society and learn what they can do to help. I will circulate this material ahead of time so the participants will understand the scope of the problem from a clinical perspective. I pray that everyone will leave from the meeting a sense of a bigger God and a renewed commitment to the poor and those suffering from injustice.
In today's scripture reading - these passages prophesied the coming of a great King who will establish true peace founded on righteousness and justice.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; (Is 9:2)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Is 9:6-7)
He will bring about judgement on those who pervert justice and do not use their wealth to help those in need:
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches? (Is 10:1-3)
See, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, will lop off the boughs with great power. The lofty trees will be felled, the tall ones will be brought low. He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax; Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One. (Is 10:33-34)
Jesus has set an example for us. May His grace enable us to do His will on earth!
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Friday 30 September 2016
Friday 23 September 2016
I have been crucified with Christ
I am going to try something different today! I will try to use the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (2nd Edition) to help me understand scripture.
But before I come to the main topic of this post I was quite confused by the appearance of the names of both Peter and Cephas in Chapter 2 of Galatians (I have put the RSVCE and Greek side by side in the link). Isn't Peter the same as Cephas? Why did Paul write the letter as if they were two different persons? And does it matter that Paul put the names of the 3 apostles, who were reputed to be pillars (of the early church), in this sequence: James and Cephas and John (verse 2:9), especially if we consider Peter to be the first Pope at the time?
From the Study Bible:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification were through the law, then Christ died to no purpose." (Galatians 2:20-21)
If I (whether I am a Jew or a Gentile) have put faith in the historical fact that Jesus died on the cross for my sin, I also believe that His teaching will guide me through this earthly life. His purpose for me is not to live as I once did but be united with Him (on the cross through baptism - Romans 6:3-6) in this new grace-filled life that lasts till eternity.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
But before I come to the main topic of this post I was quite confused by the appearance of the names of both Peter and Cephas in Chapter 2 of Galatians (I have put the RSVCE and Greek side by side in the link). Isn't Peter the same as Cephas? Why did Paul write the letter as if they were two different persons? And does it matter that Paul put the names of the 3 apostles, who were reputed to be pillars (of the early church), in this sequence: James and Cephas and John (verse 2:9), especially if we consider Peter to be the first Pope at the time?
From the Study Bible:
- Paul's visit was probably the same visit described in Acts 15:1-29 when he presented the case concerning circumcision of Gentile Christians to the Jerusalem Council.
- It was affirmed at the council that "forcible" circumcision for Gentile Christians was wrong.
- Paul frequently called Peter, Cephas (Gal 2:9, 11; 1 Cor 1:12, 9:5, 15:5); Peter (Greek word Petros) and Cephas (Aramaic word Kēphas) both mean "Rock" (see Matthew 16:18).
- James, the Lord's brother (Gal 1:19) was the first bishop of Jerusalem according to tradition. He was not the Lord's blood brother but a near kinsman (CCC 500). He was listed first in verse 2:9 as a way of undercutting the claims of the Judaizers who had a deep respect of him as the spiritual shepherd of the Jerusalem Church at this time (after Peter fled the city, Acts 12:17).
- Paul's rebuke of Peter at Antioch in public (2:14) was necessary precisely because of Peter's authority and influence in the church. Peter's conduct implied the very thing he had denied at the Jerusalem Council, namely, that Gentile Christians must adopt the ritual laws of Judaism (like circumcision) in order to secure their standing in the covenant and obtain salvation.
- In this Catholic forum "Peter and Cephas are two different people in this passage and this is why Paul chose to speak of the Apostle Peter first and then of "Cephas," one of the 70 disciples along with "James" and "John" who were also not apostles but who were among the original 70 disciples."..."The ASB (CE) has the correct translation of the two names for all the verses but I and many others believe that the "study notes" pertaining to these verses are in error."
- From one of the posts of the christianity.stackexchange.com "Maybe Paul calls Peter (Greek) Cephas (Aramaic) because his actions in Gal 2 denote an Old Testament mindset regarding Gentiles?"..."So the way I see it; Paul is using the old school name Cephas because of the old school way of thinking especially after recognizing that reaching out to the gentiles is important and being influential men, they have caused other christians to avoid gentiles too. The effects of v11-14 seem to take away what they did in v6-9"
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification were through the law, then Christ died to no purpose." (Galatians 2:20-21)
If I (whether I am a Jew or a Gentile) have put faith in the historical fact that Jesus died on the cross for my sin, I also believe that His teaching will guide me through this earthly life. His purpose for me is not to live as I once did but be united with Him (on the cross through baptism - Romans 6:3-6) in this new grace-filled life that lasts till eternity.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Friday 16 September 2016
Benefits of Giving Generously
Coming from a poor background money has always been very important to me. Sad to say I once fought with a friend over a dime back in College days (mind you, a MacDonald hamburger cost only one dime then!). Now that money and material goods are in good supply, I still find myself hesitating over when to give or not to give. And when I think I give more than others I often feel proud inside as if I am better than others. I have prayed over this a lot and God is helping me to change even though I will always struggle a bit. Only the grace of God that fills me daily will I be free from my lack of generosity.
Today St Paul found himself boasting over the generosity of the church in Corinth. "For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action." (2 Corinthians 9:2) Their enthusiasm in giving set an example for another church in Macedonia! But the promise they made must be accompanied by action and right attitude. So St Paul would send other brothers to help them. "So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given." (2 Corinthians 9:5)
I apply this personally by setting a yearly budget to give regularly. I make a list of the missionaries and charitable organizations I will be supporting that year and prayerfully ask the Lord to guide me to give generously, and to give cheerfully. I also anticipate that throughout the year other necessity to give will arise. My wife and I will prayerfully consider giving on top of the regular giving. In today's Scripture reading I have found plenty of good reasons for giving:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? " (Romans 8:32)
Today St Paul found himself boasting over the generosity of the church in Corinth. "For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action." (2 Corinthians 9:2) Their enthusiasm in giving set an example for another church in Macedonia! But the promise they made must be accompanied by action and right attitude. So St Paul would send other brothers to help them. "So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given." (2 Corinthians 9:5)
I apply this personally by setting a yearly budget to give regularly. I make a list of the missionaries and charitable organizations I will be supporting that year and prayerfully ask the Lord to guide me to give generously, and to give cheerfully. I also anticipate that throughout the year other necessity to give will arise. My wife and I will prayerfully consider giving on top of the regular giving. In today's Scripture reading I have found plenty of good reasons for giving:
- Spiritual harvest is directly proportional to giving - "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." (verses 6)
- It gives God delight - "God loves a cheerful giver." (verse 7)
- I will experience God's abundant provision and righteousness - "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (verse 8)
- My life will be enriched and it will result in thanksgiving to God (from me and from those who have received the gifts) - "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." (verse 11)
- I will receive the gift of their prayers in return - "And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. " (verse 14)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? " (Romans 8:32)
Friday 9 September 2016
Wisdom on avoiding adultery
Today's scripture reading is from Proverbs 6-7; 2 Corinthians 2. A clear message that jumps out is on the subject of adultery. It brings to mind a recent high profile case of adultery involving two prominent leaders of my former church. While on a church supported overseas mission they became sexually involved. It was announced during a recent Sunday worship service and a special prayer meeting was held later in the evening to which a large number of members attended. The prayer meeting was described as wonderful. Some members told me how they had come to appreciate the church even more. The pastor lead the event beautifully with sensitivity and love, etc. Apparently the woman is seeking to reconcile with her husband but the man's future is less certain.
I am not pointing fingers at these two individuals for I know I am prone to this danger as well. By God's grace I have been able to remain faithful to my wife for more than 32 years of our marriage. But to my shame I often let my mind drift into lustful thoughts. In Jesus words that's the same as committing adultery in my heart. (“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthews 5:27-28)
Proverbs 6:20-25 has taught me a few important lessons:
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck.
When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction
are the way to life, keeping you from your neighbor’s wife,
from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
It speaks of the importance of solid foundation in moral principles. Parents often play an important role in transmitting these moral principles. If we hold fast to these principles, by letting them speak to us whenever and wherever we are, they will be like a guiding light in all situations, especially when it comes to avoiding adultery. There are three situations when we are particularly vulnerable: having "smooth talk" with someone who may have wrong intentions, allowing lustful thoughts when we feel attracted to someone's external beauty, and allowing our eyes to stare long enough into those longing eyes. The danger is clear - "Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?" (Proverbs 6:27-28).
It pays to know the consequences of a single adultery act:
"But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away." (Proverbs 6:32-33) and
"For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, however great it is." (Proverbs 6:34-35)
Adultery in God's church is unfortunately far too common. St Paul in 2 Corinthians 2 was dealing with a situation described in his previous letter to the church (1 Corinthians 5) "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?" (1 Corinthians 5:1-2) He wrote to them in order to avoid a painful visit during which he would have to exercise discipline in the church. Apparently the brother mentioned in the offense had repented and so St. Paul encouraged the church to restore him back to fellowship. "Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)
Christian marriage is sacred despite what the current culture says. "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Matthews 10:9). My wife and I have started an exciting spiritual journey together. We are praying together and we often read books together to strengthen our faith in Jesus. We encourage each other to spend time with God and to volunteer our time to minister to others. Only if we are drawn closer to God would we be drawn closer to one another.
I am not pointing fingers at these two individuals for I know I am prone to this danger as well. By God's grace I have been able to remain faithful to my wife for more than 32 years of our marriage. But to my shame I often let my mind drift into lustful thoughts. In Jesus words that's the same as committing adultery in my heart. (“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthews 5:27-28)
Proverbs 6:20-25 has taught me a few important lessons:
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck.
When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction
are the way to life, keeping you from your neighbor’s wife,
from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
It speaks of the importance of solid foundation in moral principles. Parents often play an important role in transmitting these moral principles. If we hold fast to these principles, by letting them speak to us whenever and wherever we are, they will be like a guiding light in all situations, especially when it comes to avoiding adultery. There are three situations when we are particularly vulnerable: having "smooth talk" with someone who may have wrong intentions, allowing lustful thoughts when we feel attracted to someone's external beauty, and allowing our eyes to stare long enough into those longing eyes. The danger is clear - "Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?" (Proverbs 6:27-28).
It pays to know the consequences of a single adultery act:
"But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away." (Proverbs 6:32-33) and
"For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, however great it is." (Proverbs 6:34-35)
Adultery in God's church is unfortunately far too common. St Paul in 2 Corinthians 2 was dealing with a situation described in his previous letter to the church (1 Corinthians 5) "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?" (1 Corinthians 5:1-2) He wrote to them in order to avoid a painful visit during which he would have to exercise discipline in the church. Apparently the brother mentioned in the offense had repented and so St. Paul encouraged the church to restore him back to fellowship. "Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)
Christian marriage is sacred despite what the current culture says. "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Matthews 10:9). My wife and I have started an exciting spiritual journey together. We are praying together and we often read books together to strengthen our faith in Jesus. We encourage each other to spend time with God and to volunteer our time to minister to others. Only if we are drawn closer to God would we be drawn closer to one another.
Friday 2 September 2016
Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord
I was quite impressed with Psalms 139 when I read it again this morning. There are the familiar verses that speak of
(1) God's Omniscience - especially his intimate and full knowledge of my being:
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
(Psalms 139:1-6)
Jeremy Troxler gave this sermon "Hemmed In" to a group of student pastors and I quote:
(2) God's Omnipresence - He is not just everywhere. He is with me everywhere I go!
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
(Psalms 139:7-12)
I see the same parallel. God besieges me even when I choose to hide in darkness. He is there to light up my path to guide me back to the light.
(3) God my Creator - not only the physical form like the other creation, but my inner being ordained for an eternal purpose:
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
(Psalms 139:13-18)
(4) But wait! In Psalms 139:19-22 am I to hate my enemies?
If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
This seems to go against Jesus' command to love our enemies (Matthews 5:43-48 and Luke 6:27-36). My initial thought was that the Psalmist was not talking about his enemies but God's. So are we okay to love those who hate us but hate those who hate God? I don't think so! For He has shown us that "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" (Romans 5:8-10)
John Piper wrote a good article on these verses ("Do I Not Hate Those Who Hate You, O Lord? - The Verses We Skipped". I'll summarize here in my own words mixed in with his:
"Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
(Psalms 139:23-24)
Leave divine justice to God! Enjoy His omniscience and omnipresence. Submit to His creative plan for me.
(1) God's Omniscience - especially his intimate and full knowledge of my being:
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
(Psalms 139:1-6)
Jeremy Troxler gave this sermon "Hemmed In" to a group of student pastors and I quote:
- "This is the God for whom there are no anonymous sheep, to whom nobody is a write-off, for whom no one is lost in the crowd. The personal God who loves the number one: one lost sheep, one missing coin, one sinner lost and found."
- "The Hebrew word for “hem in” used here doesn’t mean cuddle. It doesn’t refer to a protective embrace, a great big bearhug, or to being wrapped in Bubble Wrap. The word for “hem in” is the word used when a city is laid under siege. “You besiege me, O God.” You hem me in. You besiege me. You entrap me. You encircle me. You beleaguer me, behind and before. You will not leave me alone."
- "It is a fearful thing to be known by God. We do not want to be known, but this searching, all-knowing God won’t leave us alone. This God will not go away. We tried to kill him, and even that wouldn’t work. Jesus just came back and said, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age,” and you wonder sometimes with the psalmist whether that is a promise or a threat. Post-Easter, “Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?”" (Psalms 139:7)
- "The surrender to the siege is a sweet one. For the God of unconditional surrender is the God of unconditional love. The God who won’t let us escape is also the God who fearfully and wonderfully made us in the first place." (see Psalms 139:14)
(2) God's Omnipresence - He is not just everywhere. He is with me everywhere I go!
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
(Psalms 139:7-12)
I see the same parallel. God besieges me even when I choose to hide in darkness. He is there to light up my path to guide me back to the light.
(3) God my Creator - not only the physical form like the other creation, but my inner being ordained for an eternal purpose:
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
(Psalms 139:13-18)
(4) But wait! In Psalms 139:19-22 am I to hate my enemies?
If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
This seems to go against Jesus' command to love our enemies (Matthews 5:43-48 and Luke 6:27-36). My initial thought was that the Psalmist was not talking about his enemies but God's. So are we okay to love those who hate us but hate those who hate God? I don't think so! For He has shown us that "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" (Romans 5:8-10)
John Piper wrote a good article on these verses ("Do I Not Hate Those Who Hate You, O Lord? - The Verses We Skipped". I'll summarize here in my own words mixed in with his:
- There is a group of Psalms called “imprecatory psalms” which calls down divine curses for the enemies of God. In these Psalms there is some evidence that love for the enemy has been tried but has apparently been resisted.
- Both Jesus and St. Paul have quoted from these Psalms, e.g. Psalms 69, by Jesus: John 15:25 = Psalm 69:4, “They hated me without cause.” John 2:17 = Psalm 69:9, “Zeal for your house has eaten me up.” Matthew 27:24 = Psalm 69:21, “They gave me gall for my food.”; by St. Paul: Romans 11:9–10 = Psalm 69:22–23; Romans 15:3 = Psalms 69:9 “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”. This is the same Psalm which prays, “Pour out your indignation on them, and let your burning anger overtake them” (Psalm 69:24)! Paul regarded King David's words of imprecation as inspired and not sinful, personal words of vengeance.
- The word hate may be interpreted as moral repugnance and not personal vengeance - a bit like the expression "hate the sin but love the sinner". According to John Piper: "There is a kind of hate for the sinner (viewed as morally corrupt and hostile to God) that may coexist with pity and even a desire for their salvation. You may hate spinach without opposing its good use."
- But there may come a point when wickedness is so persistent and high-handed and God-despising that the time of redemption is past and there only remain irremediable wickedness and judgment. For example, Jesus speaks of unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:32) and John says there is sin that is “unto death” and adds, “I do not say that one should pray for this” (1 John 5:16). And Paul says, “If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed” (1 Corinthians 16:22). This imprecation is like the Psalms, and assumes that there comes a point of such extended, hardened, high-handed lovelessness toward God that it may be appropriate to call down anathema on it.
"Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
(Psalms 139:23-24)
Leave divine justice to God! Enjoy His omniscience and omnipresence. Submit to His creative plan for me.
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