This perhaps is one of the wisest things Jesus ever said. And while it was directed to those of the Jewish faith around particular circumstances, it's one of those teachings that spans across space and time. It applies to all kingdoms, all nations, all families, all groups of any sort. That's why groups are sometimes at their best when all members share a common enemy. When the group and each person within it is threatened, the group tends to be unified and resilient. Consider the difference of national unity between World War II, when the nation stepped up and came together, and Viet Nam, when the nation was divided. Or more recently, the united strength of the country in the Fall of 2011 compared to today-- one of the most polarized periods in US history. A third party threat does wonders for a group of any size, whether small or as large as a nation. But when there's relative peace, or when we disagree, we have a tendency to turn on each other. We make members of our own group the enemy, when the real enemy is not that person on the other side of the aisle... but the person we see in the mirror.
Love God. Love your neighbor. No matter if they're Republican, Democrat, or Independent. Yes, they are your neighbor too.
Readings: Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Luke 11:14-36; Psalms 77:1-20; Proverbs 12:18
*Note: While this post addressed the Luke passage, make sure you read Deuteronomy, as it enlightens us to what led Jesus' own faith community to adopt fanatical legalism. After reading this, wouldn't you? It was a tough tide for Jesus to turn.
