Practicing unconventional wisdom

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:44-45

When Jesus confronted the crowds that came to hear him, they went away saying, “Never did anyone speak as does He!” In the message we call “The Sermon on the Mount,” ten times Jesus said, “You have heard it said to the people long ago...” and then “But I say unto you.” Talk about someone specializing in unconventional wisdom!

In one of those departures from conventional wisdom, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44) Do you pray for your enemies? It’s unconventional wisdom, but so is most of what we do when we follow the example and teaching of God’s Son.

Praying for your enemy changes your hatred to pity. Eventually you see someone who is weak, just as you are. Take time to read Matthew 5 where Jesus talked about an “eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” giving to the one who takes from you, and even praying for those who persecute you and abuse you.

Those who practice unconventional wisdom are wise in a way that most people never understand, but they are the ones who profit from it. They are the ones who eventually will hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Deciding to practice unconventional wisdom in your life and to walk in the path Jesus walked is the best thing you could ever do. Start today and see the difference.