Christians are meant to be known for the way they love everyone, and not just their fellow Christians. This love should be especially given to those in need. They should learn from Christ who, at the beginning of his ministry, revealed that he came to promote justice in the world, represented by the Isaiah scroll saying he would set the captives free, bring relief to the poor and needy, and heal the infirm. He did not say that he would do this only for those who already believe in him, but rather, what indicated it was universal, and what he offered was for everyone. Not only did he help those who came to him, those asking him to be healed, he would often go to where the infirm were before they even asked (or even showed faith in him). Sometimes, those he helped would follow after him, but, as can be seen after what happened when he healed ten lepers, this did not always happen:
 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Lk. 17:11-19 RSV).
Despite the way the Samaritans were hated and mistreated by many Jews, leading them to respond to the Jews in kind, Jesus embraced the Samaritans with his love. When he encountered a Samaritan, like he did St. Photina, he offered them what he offered the Jews, that is, participation in the kingdom of God. This was represented by the way he told St. Photina she could receive the living waters of the Holy Spirit if she wanted them. Many Jews were upset with this. This had them to claim Jesus was a sinner because he banded himself with sinners. In response to their criticisms, Jesus said that he came to the world to share God’s love with everyone. He also indicated that he expected his disciples would do the same thing, that is, those who follow after him would do as he did. Since he loved everyone, especially outcasts and sinners, his followers should do likewise.
Thus, when we see someone who is a sinner, we should be like Christ, willing to share with them God’s love. We certainly should not use their sinful status as an excuse to avoid them (and deny them justice). And if they are not Christians, if they don’t have Christ as their example, and as a result, they mistreat us in some way, we should not use the way they act towards us to mistreat them in return. We were told to love them. We are not to love them only after they love us. Christ, after all, loved us while we were still sinners. Since they are not Christians, it should not be surprising they don’t live as Christians; on the other hand, as Christians have been revealed by Christ (and the church guided by the Spirit) as to how they should act, they will be held accountable in a way non-Christians are not, because more will be expected from those who are given more.
Now, to be sure, it can be very difficult for us to do as we know is right because our concupiscence get in the way, having us act in a way towards someone we later regret. If we truly wish we did not do that, if we are trying to be better, to do better, not to let our worst instincts get the best of us, Christ is willing to forgive and help us with grace, but if we make excuses to justify ourselves, we will find that by making such excuses, we deny ourselves that grace. To overcome our bad habits, our bad instincts, we must be willing to die to the self, which is to pick up our cross and follow the way of the cross with Christ; it is, after all, such a cross which we must bear when we deal with those who are deemed our “enemies” with love because they treat us with contempt:
But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful (Lk. 6:27-36 RSV).
Again, especially at the start of our spiritual journey, this is not going to be easy. If and when we believe ourselves to be mistreated, our concupiscence will stir up our passions, making us act in anger, or worse (if we do not get control of our anger), with hate. When we know better, when we realize this is not what Christ wants, we will not give excuses such as, “they are our enemies and wish us harm.” Instead, we will pray, ask for mercy and the grace we need to do (and so become) better.  We will also pray for them, hoping that they will change, so that eventually they can become our friends. This should always be our desire. This what all Christians should do. Sadly, many will try to say what Christ wants from them is not realistic, their enemies will not show the same love and respect to them, so they will be practical and treat their enemies the way they say their enemies treat them, thereby either creating or perpetuating a cycle of hate and violence, a cycle which Christ came to bring to an end. Those who resist what Christ wants from them, those who say it is not practical, must keep in mind that Jesus warned them those who say “Lord, Lord,” proclaiming him in word but not in deed,  will find that they were not known by him, while those who might not know him in word, but follow him in deed, will be known by him because they proved to be his disciples. Which will it be for us?  Will we pick up our cross, and follow the path of love, even when it becomes difficult, or will we turn away from him and take the easy path which perpetuates the cycle of hate?
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N.B.: While I read comments to moderate them, I rarely respond to them. If I don’t respond to your comment directly, don’t assume I am unthankful for it. I appreciate it. But I want readers to feel free to ask questions, and hopefully, dialogue with each other. I have shared what I wanted to say, though some responses will get a brief reply by me, or, if I find it interesting and something I can engage fully, as the foundation for another post. I have had many posts inspired or improved upon thanks to my readers.
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