Easy?

There is a curious text buried in Matthew 10.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household” (Matthew 10:34–36, KJV).

These are the words of the Prince of Peace! In a perfect world, we would be at peace with everyone because we would all be living in love.

But we do not live in a perfect world. Our words and actions are not always loving. Neither are the words and actions of anyone else, including our families.

When it comes to family issues, we tend to hide the details in a bubble of normalcy. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can make us forget that others may have similar struggles. We clash, and feelings get hurt. Thankfully, I am responsible only for my actions. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18, NIV).

“Everyone” includes the rude cashier, the aggressive driver, the customer service rep, and our families. Remember, we will not be called to account for their behavior. We will only answer for our own. So how would Jesus want us to behave toward others? Luke records Jesus’ words: “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate” (Luke 6:32–36, NLT).

This is not easy, but we are not called to do what is easy.

We are called to be like Jesus. In His strength, we can be kind and compassionate, both inside and outside of our homes.

Ann Trout