Loving Your Enemy

<p>I ducked into a room before she saw me. I was ashamed of hiding, but I didn&rsquo;t want to deal with her right then&mdash;or <em>ever</em>. I longed to tell her off, to put her in her place. Though I was annoyed by her behavior, it&rsquo;s likely I had irritated her even more!</p> <p>The Jews and Samaritans also shared a mutually irritating relationship.&nbsp; Being a people of mixed origin and worshiping their own gods, the Samaritans&mdash;in the eyes of the Jews&mdash;had spoiled the Jewish bloodline and faith, erecting a rival religion on Mount Gerazim (John 4:20). In fact, the Jews so despised Samaritans they walked the long way around rather than take the direct route through their country.</p> <p>Jesus revealed a better way. He brought salvation for all people, including Samaritans. So He ventured into the heart of Samaria to bring living water to a sinful woman and her town (John 4:4-42). His last words to His disciples were to follow His example. They must share His good news with everyone, beginning in Jerusalem and dispersing through Samaria until they reached &ldquo;the ends of the earth&rdquo; (Acts 1:8). Samaria was more than the next geographical sequence. It was the most painful part of the mission. The disciples must overcome lifetimes of prejudice to love people they didn&rsquo;t like.</p> <p>Does Jesus matter more than our grievances? There&rsquo;s only one way to be sure. Love your &ldquo;Samaritan.&rdquo;</p>