Everyone suffers in one way or another. The pain we experience in life does not necessarily make us better people, it can make us bitter. A wounded spirit is easily infected. Our natural tendency is to do to others what they have done to us. “As they did unto me, so have I done unto them…” (Judges 15:11). We love those who love us and treat us right; but we have a very hard time not hating those who we believe have mistreated us.
The words of Jesus on this subject simply cannot be received by the natural man, they are foolishness to him. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). “Impossible,” we say. “Can’t do it.” Yes, impossible indeed. “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
The greatest miracle of all is the miracle of a gracious heart, to love when not loved, to give when not given to, to even desire mercy and blessings to come upon those who would judge and curse us. To have such a heart is to know the love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God. On the cross where Jesus was counted a transgressor but made intercession for the transgressors there was more of God’s glory displayed than in all of His miracles put together. What a sign and wonder for those who have eyes to see! The centurion gasped: “Truly this man was the Son of God.”
The greatest miracle of all is the miracle of a gracious heart.
The hope of glory that Christ is in us to display is the miracle of loving our enemies, doing good to those who hate us, blessing those who curse us, and praying for those who despitefully use and persecute us. That we should stand in the gap for those who presently revile us; that we should weep before God wanting His help for those who would rejoice if they heard that misfortune came to us, this is glory and grace in the presence of God; this is the sweet smelling fragrance of the Son still ascending from earth to heaven’s throne room.
Though men hide their faces from you and want nothing more to do with you; though they cut you off and out of their lives; though they make you the “scapegoat” for all their issues and problems; receive the love of Christ for them. Share in the fellowship of His sufferings and be made conformable to His death. If you will put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make intercession for those who deem you the transgressor, the Father will welcome you before Him, collect your tears in His bottle, and work marvelously through the sweet aroma of your prayers.