"Free From Enemies"

One of the great pleasures of working with children is that I often find myself learning from them. I believe that studying and interacting with children has had a huge influence in my development as a believer. Jesus instructs us, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3).”

Recently, I have been intrigued by the way children handle conflict. I have been noticing that children can be easily upset. When things are taken away or when they do not get their way, they are so quick to verbalize their feelings. Some of my favorites are: “You're not my best friend anymore, I'm telling on you, and by far my favorite one is...”You're not coming to my birthday party!” These phrases are harsh and normally leave the child in tears. However, I have also noticed that children are quick to forgive. After a fight, a short period of time will pass, and suddenly it is as if the argument never happened. By some means it is resolved and children can go back to being best friends and be invited over to each other's houses all in the same day. Now we are left wondering...how do they do that?

Jesus encourages us to love our enemies. Matthew 8:44 tells us, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” It is easy to love those who love us. Jesus emphasizes that even tax collectors and pagans do that (v. 46). Thus, the challenge is to go beyond that and show love to those who have persecuted us.

By no means should we refrain from standing up for ourselves. It is written that “All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
(2 Timothy 3:16).” Although, if we prevent ourselves from pouring out all forgiveness for those in our lives, we are missing out on the challenge. Understanding forgiveness is apart of our completion as a believer (Matthew 8:48). “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-15).”

Two of the boys that I work with have been given labels by their peers. One is known as the “bad kid” and the other is known as the “slow kid.” The “bad kid” has used so many hurtful words to the “slow kid;” phrases that have damaged his self-esteem and has made it difficult for him to learn. However, one day, I witnessed the “slow kid” come up to the “bad kid” and help him with an assignment. He offered up his forgiveness and helped him complete his work. There were no negative words or reminders about the past. The two children played together for the rest of the day. This is freedom. A freedom from enemies. The freedom to forgive.