Thursday, October 10, 2024

I was recently invited to join someone’s fantasy football league. This would’ve placed me in three leagues, which is a lot, but fewer than the six I used to participate in. I jokingly consider this individual my “enemy” during the season, but ironically, he chose to be my true enemy 27 years ago. 

So how did we end up here? I extended an olive branch.

Let’s back up a bit. When I was 18 years old, I had my identity stolen. This caused me many problems for several years, but I refused to accept the consequences of “two people’s” actions and fought to clear my name against the person who claimed to be me. Thankfully, my efforts paid off, the courts expunged my record, and my enemy accepted my extended olive branch to form a new relationship in my life.

Why would I be receptive to any type of rebuilding? In the words of Kendrick Lamar, “That’s random acts of kindness.” But it’s also what we’re called to do as we attempt to live in a Christ-like manner.

1 Peter 2:23
He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

I saw how life treated my former enemy. Whether deserved or not, it wasn’t nice. Think about what you’ve witnessed when you see the emptiness in someone else’s eyes. The look must fail in comparison to the feeling. 

A life in Christ calls us to compassion, and exhorts us to live and love like our heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:48
“But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

We can help turn someone’s life around by following Jesus’ lead. Be the bigger, more mature person, and show grace, as it’s been shown to you. Ephesians 2:4-22 reminds us of God’s incredible mercy. Jesus died for us while we were still sinners. We have been saved by grace through faith, not because we deserve it, nor because of anything we have done, but because of agape. 

As Christ-followers, we are called to intentionally demonstrate this agape love even when others disappoint us or seem to be our enemy. Loving others well not only offers an opportunity to point them toward Christ, your intentionality bridges the gap between your human relationships and your closeness to God. 

Questions: 
Ben asked, "What simple gracious act of kindness can you do for someone who is opposed to you?" When has someone given your offenses against them to God?

Next Steps: 
Begin praying for others who oppose you. Write their names in a prayer journal. Talk to a pastor or one of your Groups about the grievances against you.

Read Ephesians 2:4-22 to be reminded of God’s love and sacrifice for you.

Prayer: 
I pray to end the division between myself and those I feel have wronged me. Lord, please bring peace to those relationships so I can move on and open my heart to new seasons. I pray you would do the same for them. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
John 16:33
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” 

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.