The line between good and evil runs not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either — but right through every human heart.” 

- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

        In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes an interesting comment. “He (God) causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matt 5.45) This is in the midst of his teaching us that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

          It is natural for us to think that our enemies, those other guys, are evil, mean, and nasty, while we are good, kind, and nice. It is how we get entrenched in our resentments against others. And before you might think that I am pointing fingers, I know that I do this as well. I make this judgment with all sorts of people.

          I find the quote by Solzhenitsyn is more than insightful. It reminds us that not only evil can be found everywhere, it tells me that good can be found everywhere. Even in those who I find despicable. It not only reminds me that I am the enemy of my enemy, but that I might be their friend. 

          There are a number of issues that I can be, actually am, quite opinionated and passionate about. I can quickly move to a place of what is wrong with that idiot, when they fail to agree with me. I can quickly dismiss the other person as being the problem. Far too often my gossip is about what is wrong with the other person.

          The basis of this passage is not to condemn us all, but to change how we treat those who we might consider enemies. It reminds me that even in the most unsavoury person, there is good. It reminds me to act in a way that brings peace. It reminds me to act in compassion.

          As always, as we walk the path of righteousness we focus on progress not perfection. I am a work in progress.

 

Anyway, that is my opinion.