I am impressed by C.S. Lewis every time I read a paragraph. In Mere Christianity many times he makes a statement like, "personally I find this almost impossible to perform" or "this could be the most difficult thing in Christianity."
Therefore, in this same thought I would like to put forward my personal, "I find this quite difficult to do." The subject is loving the ungrateful. In Luke 6:35 just after the Beatitudes, Jesus says,
"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 evil. Be merciful, evne as your Father is merciful."(ESV, Luke 6:35)
Several commands in this passage that cause me to quiver. Some of these commands are hard even when you like people. But what clearer example to the world can you give, than to do something like this. Give and forget. ...AND give again, when they ask. Give when they don't say, 'Thank you so much!" Give when you know that they might pawn it two days later. Give to your enemies. This type of living is what constitutes radical Christianity in our material driven culture.
This without a doubt is the most difficult thing in my life. I feel my hands open freely to those I love and cherish, but to those who have horns and smell of cabbage or worse..........uh.......uh....the Command still applies. :)
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