While walking through my neighborhood on a lunch break earlier this week, I noticed the spring flowers standing especially tall, shining brightly in contrast to the grey skies. Daffodils are my favorite, as their distinct, bold color seems to put winter in its place and invites the hope that Spring is quickly approaching. A thought crossed my mind, as I took in the splashes of beauty sprouting up along the sidewalk: “spring flowers must bring a smile to just about everyone who sees them. Regardless of age, background, life experience, ethnicity or gender, there’s likely something universal about the appreciation of a beautiful flower riding the heels of winter.”
One might even argue that a disgruntled, inconsiderate or egregious person may yet be vulnerable to the simple delight of a freshly bloomed tulip. Is it possible that maybe someone you’d consider an enemy, might stop to smell the same flower that caught your eye?
The concept of an enemy is difficult to pin down, as it can range on such a wide spectrum. Ultimately though, it can be summed up as someone who we perceive as a threat. Whether that is a threat to a child losing his turn on the playground or a threat to our national security, when our personal interests are threatened by another’s actions or apparent intent, our bodies and minds go into defense mode against the one we’ve deemed an “enemy.”
We are often threatened by that which is different, and therefore unknown, as we can’t predict whether or not we can maintain safety. So even just by nature of someone with an appearance, behavior or perspective that differs from our own, we may translate that as a potential threat and identify that person or people group as enemies, in our minds.
In Corinthians 3:26-28, we read of the invitation to pursue unity and embrace those who may differ from us, centering ourselves in the truth of our shared identity in Christ:
For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
By grounding ourselves in the reality that those with whom we are similar and those from whom we differ, our friend or our perceived enemy, are each still mere humans, we can find reprieve from the threat and be open to connection. Even more, we can savor the fact that God deeply loves both you and the individual or people group that appears to be in direct opposition to you. He created the flowers and the sunsets and the rainbows for every bit of humanity to enjoy their beauty and take pause in their hope.
I’d invite you to join me in considering the person who you might call an enemy, who might pose a threat to you--whether you know them or are aware of them from a distance. With that individual or people group in mind, consider the following lyrics to Reckless Love and ask the Lord to help you understand how his love encompasses that enemy, just as much as it does you.
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99
And I couldn't earn it
I don't deserve it, still You give yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending reckless love of God
About the Author
Britni is a quiet but fearless spirit who is earnestly seeking the beauty of the redemption that Jesus has personally determined for her life. Committed to the truth that listening breeds understanding and understanding results in compassion, she clings to the power of life’s stories. She has embarked on the venture of discovering her own story and lending an ear to the stories lived out in others and savors the trace of Jesus that is woven throughout them all. Currently, that journey has landed her in a balancing act between the role of wife, momma, and a mental health Care Coordinator.