Matthew 5:47-48 NIV
And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Growing up my grandmother who was not a follower of Jesus, would often tell us to put this statement into practice, treat everyone with kindness. I recalled her saying that a poor person might just be the one who saves your life one day. Growing up, that value stayed with me and has carried me through in life. I would like to share two stories that might help me bring this scripture to life.
I remember going to an area to conduct a home visit in the Bronx, NY where I was warned to be careful because my car can get broken into or stolen. The area where I parked my car, there were a few young men standing by talking, I greeted them and encouraged them to stay out of trouble. They seemed puzzled that I took the time to speak with them. One asked are you the new Social Worker going to see Ms. B I said maybe. They started laughing and said Ms. Social Worker don't worry we will make sure nobody touches your car. I laughed and said I did not expect any less! For the duration of my home visits during the year, my name became Ms. Social Worker and they always said we are trying to stay out of trouble. My car was never broken into, and I felt safe. One of the young men once said you are different because you speak to us and does not assume we are bad. Second experience, a few years ago, I worked with a nurse who identified herself as gay. She knew my faith in Jesus and knew what the Bible says about homosexual relationships. After working with her for about a year, she said Annaika you are a different Christian. I said how so? She said I have never felt judged by you even when I talk about my partner and the struggles that we have. I smiled and said Jesus did not send me to judge or condemned the world but to be his ambassador. I shared with her that I can't speak for every Christian, but I know Jesus loves you. He hates our disobedience against his commands and wants us to repent of our sins, but he loves us. I said to her that my conviction is simply to be like Jesus by showing love, mercy, grace, and truth because that is what Jesus did for me when he forgave me of my sins and transformed my life for his glory and is continuing to work in my life.
I shared these experiences in hope that we can understand what Jesus was speaking about in Mathew 5:43-48. How do you treat or regard those who are different from you? Different lifestyle, social status, economic status, religious practice, belief, etc. When was the last time you initiated a conversation or an act of kindness toward someone who is different, or does not share the same values as you? How are you doing representing God? When people see you or when those who are different than you are around you, do they feel the power of God from how you loved them through their darkness? The hope is that they will come to repentance like you, and I did through the blood of Jesus Christ? Loving people through their darkness does not mean you approve of their way of life. Jesus was indeed radical in his teaching for one purpose, to win souls back to God. Thus, our loving people through darkness should also be for the purpose of wining souls back to God. Let us reflect on our own lives and make an honest assessment of the way we treat, or regard people who might be different from us. Is our decision godly or the way of the pagans?
