Love Even Your Enemies

Our Wednesday family nights at church are a success.

My husband is the self-proclaimed “culinary minister.” We’ve set theme dinners to encourage fellowship and we’ve had some exciting foods the last three weeks!

Here’s the menu we set for the next couple months.

• Baked Potato Bar
• Taco Bar
• Soul Food
• SOUPer Bowl
• Pasta Buffet
• Pancake Breakfast (for Mardi Gras)
• Hot dogs and Hamburgers
• Sandwiches and Salads

So, last night was soul food night, and I’ll tell ya – that was some of the best greens, mac and cheese, and coconut cake I’ve had in years! We made a pork loin with gluten-free gravy and another gal brought some fried chicken. There were biscuits, cornbread muffins, baked beans, salad, cole slaw, and banana pudding. It felt like home.

I teach the children, ages 3-10, after dinner while adults are attending various Bible study classes. It’s a challenge to engage all those different age groups in one lesson.

Last night, I taught the kids about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I focused on Agape.

We only talked about a brief history background. I could have rambled on for hours about Gandhi and the history of the South from before the Civil War, but these are young kids.

I really just wanted the kids to understand that Dr. King was influenced and stood by the teachings of Jesus. He preached to love others, including your enemy.

And I don’t think Dr. King saw the white man as his enemy. No, I think Dr. King’s enemy was the idea that people could be treated differently because of the color of one’s skin.

I needed the kids to understand that Dr. King focused on changing the world non–violently. Whereas he was criticized for taking too long and being so righteous by even other black leaders, Dr. King remained non-violent, preaching the love of Jesus for everyone, while exerting that racial equality was of paramount importance.

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.  And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. ~Luke 6: 27-31

And Dr. King was martyred for his beliefs.

I used this egg visual to help the kids understand and appreciate racial diversity. I think even the little ones understood that it doesn’t matter what color your shell or skin is, but what’s in a man’s heart. It was beautiful.

I thank God that these children really don’t know what it was like living in the South during Dr. King’s time. They cannot fathom that kind of hate.

Ah, the innocence of children.