The power of love

Love your enemies, . . . and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. – Matthew 5:44

Fyodoro Dostoevsky tells the story of brothers Ivan and Alyosha Karamazov. Alyosha is a devoted follower of Jesus; Ivan is a skeptic.

As the story unfolds, Ivan meets his brother at a café. In an effort to undermine the faith of Alyosha, he recites a lengthy poem he has written about the Grand Inquisitor. In it the Inquisitor rails of Jesus for His decision to grant free will to human beings and thus bring so much pain and suffering into the world.

As the Grand Inquisitor finishes his argument, Ivan portrays Jesus as having no answer. Instead, Jesus walks up to the Inquisitor and kisses him. Ivan hopes Alyosha will see this as an irrational act. But as he finishes speaking, Alyosha, imitating Jesus, leans forward and kisses Ivan.

Alyosha’s profound gesture completely changes the tenor of the scene, for it represents the triumph of love over doubt and skepticism. Love overrides every objection. No logical argument can overthrow it.

That’s why Jesus calls us to love our enemies, and to do good to those who spitefully use us and persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Love, not rational argument, overcomes hatred. The goodness of God revealed in our love draws people to repentance. – David Roper

Open my eyes, Lord, to people around me,

Help me to see them as You do above;

Give me the wisdom and strength to take action,

So I may show them Your wonderful love. – K. De Haan

READ: Matthew 5:43-48

It’s better to give others a piece of your heart than a piece of your mind.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 84-86

• Romans 12