You have heard that it used to be said “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you so you may be sons of your Heavenly Father. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil men as well as good, and He sends His rain upon the honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love only those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even tax-collectors do that! And if you exchange greetings only with those in your own circle, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do that much. Be perfect, therefore, even as your Heavenly Father is perfect.
(Matthew 5:43-48)
Radical Love. Full, all-encompassing love that is given with no strings attached. Love that is earned regardless of what is received. Radical Love.
As believers, we understand that this is how Christ loves us. We understand the call to love others in this way but do we? How deeply do we search to find love for all people? How easy is it for us to reflect the boundless love of God Who shows kindness to all?
We work and live in a secular world. We work with people who do not always reflect our Christian beliefs, our political candidates are often far from ethical, our children become independent thinkers that do not always align with how we intended for them to think, and we are still called to show love.
To love indiscriminately, as Jesus commanded, means to extend love and compassion to all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions. It involves treating everyone with kindness, empathy, and respect, without prejudice or favoritism. This type of love transcends boundaries and encompasses both friends and enemies, strangers and acquaintances. It involves seeing the inherent value and dignity in every individual and choosing to respond to them with grace and understanding even in difficult situations. Loving indiscriminately requires a willingness to forgive, to empathize, and to actively seek the well-being of others, regardless of how they may treat us in return. It’s about embodying the principle of unconditional love that Jesus exemplified in His teachings and His actions.
God commands us to show this kind of love to all, and this kind of love frees our hearts and minds to reflect genuine Christianity. Showing love brings joy and trains our minds to find good and recognize God’s intentional plan in creating all.
Radical love. This is how we change the world. This is how we change our families and the future of our communities.