Just love

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ 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. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

I've been trying to take my sketch book to church. It helps me concentrate if I draw while I listen. I think it's the type of learner that I am, which is both a teaching and spiritual belief, really.

I really like what Pastor Dale had to say on this particular scripture. I'd always known this scripture existed but just never thought about it. That's probably what I'm like with most of the bible, I just tick it off as, 'yeah I believe that', but never really think about it.

How much do we hate our enemies? I know that there are plenty people in this world who piss me off at the moment. In fact, I think when you become pregnant you become increasingly intolerant of others (or that could just be me).

The world tells us to love people who love us. Treat people how you want to be treated. And that's exactly right. But how do we react to people who drive us up the wall? The bible says to pray for them.

We're all living on the same earth. We all breathe the same air. My enemies flowers get watered from the same clouds that my succulents do. The sun still shines on rapists and murderers as much as it shines on me.

And God loves them all the same.

So should I?