Last week we were editing some of our poems and had a discussion about the wording of one poem. As luck would have it, I can’t find that poem today, but, in essence it was talking about loving our enemies. We know that the New Testament speaks of Jesus’ words about that: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…” Matthew 5:43-44. In our poem, Bob had written words something like, “To your enemies, be a host..” The first hearing of that leaves you questioning that advice. In the context of our modern world, it seems very out-of-place, but, in the context of the New Testament, it actually does hold validity. We came to the conclusion that loving enemies is a difficult request. We don’t even really love our friends as much as we should!
Perhaps that’s a good challenge for 2018. Bring yourself more peace by eliminating hate. Here is a verse from a poem that is NOT the one I was looking for:
Let us seek patience when hate tempts to make anger our attack
As we strive to douse hate’s fire, with soft words and gentle tact.
As our tolerance build our patience, peace flows from perfect love,
Through the Holy Ghost’s sweet spirit, like to cooing of a dove.
I found this applicable message on facebook:
Nice post, when I post about Democrat vs. Republican, it doesn’t mean I hate the other party. Just stating what I feel about what should be done. Maybe it will help us all if we can make our government better. Time to build “Zion”