Here is a test. You are driving on the expressway and a sign says left lane closed ahead, so you move into the center lane, and someone else continues in the left lane until the last possible moment, then slows and puts their turn signal on to move into the center lane right in front of you. Do you let them in?

In Luke 6:27,28 Jesus says, “…Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” NIV

OK, so we can bring ourselves to be gracious to the self centered person on the expressway. Here is another test. This one is very difficult, gut wrenching for some of us. Can you love and pray for the people of ISIS? Jesus says in Luke 6:35, “love your enemies, be good to them….. and then you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

Remember what Jesus said while hanging on the cross after being beaten and humiliated. “Father, forgive them for they know do not know what they are doing.”

Dear Lord, you set a standard for love that we could never achieve. Help us try. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.