7x70

Most church raised Christians have heard Matthew 5:44 occassionally throughout their lives.

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

Unfortunately, few of us have genuinely attempted this, otherwise we might plug our ears every time a pastor or fellow Christian reminds us of this commandment. A friend told me of her struggles with this the other day. Some time ago, she made a commitment to pray for her brother's salvation. At one time, they had been close. But as the years went by, they slowly and unrecognizably drifted apart. The "adult life" of college drew her closer to God, while it drew her brother closer to the world. At first, this merely led to a lack of connection-- nothing to talk about. They just didn't care about the same things anymore. Given more time, though, this neutral relationship became so subtly hostile. My friend began to feel like her brother looked down on her. He was always putting her down and discouraging. All the while, she prayed that God would capture her brother's heart. And yet, she admitted that sometimes she didn't think she really meant it. Does God still listen to our prayers when the hurt still lingers in our hearts?

I think that's a good question. These days, we mostly think of love as some warm, cheerful feeling. We speak of "being in love" or "falling in love" as if we have absolutely no say in the matter. It's all love it or hate it. That's how many people think today. People think that if love is forced, then it's not really love. But it precisely at those times that love can be most genuine, because it is most difficult. In the wise words of Jesus Christ,

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. (Luke 6:32)

It is not some supernatural ability to feel affection towards all people that makes a person loving. It is in the willful choice to act in love--even in the absense of any tender emotions-- that evinces a heart full of love. So as my friend prays for her brother, even as the sting of his words still pierce her heart, are her words merely wind? I don't think so. In fact, I think those moments on her knees will eventually restore feelings of love between not only her and her brother, but also her brother and our heavenly Father.

Seven times seventy times I'll do what it takes to make it right
I thought the pain was here to stay
But forgiveness made a way
Seven times seventy times there's healing in the air tonight
I'm reaching up to pull it down, gonna wrap it all around [Chris August]