A nationally known radio commentator once went on a tirade against Christians. He ridiculed their views of the endtimes, particularly the return of Christ for His church. He said that "the evaporation of 4 million people who believe this nonsense would leave this world a better place."

It wasn't long before the network apologized to any listeners who were offended. But the commentator himself refused to say he was sorry. He received hate mail, venomous condemnations, and even death threats from professing believers. This convinced him more than ever that the world would be better off without people filled with this kind of hatred.

It's unfortunate and sad to see Christians become so enraged. As Joseph Stowell, President of Moody Bible Institute, said, "There's too much mean and not enough mercy." When followers of Jesus spend more time condemning their enemies than praying for them or showing love to them, they lose their spiritual credibility.

Jesus expects us to stand out from the world by letting our "light so shine before men, that they may see [our] good works and glorify [our] Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). One way we live that out is by obeying His command to love our enemies (v.44).    — David C. Egner