Our common opponent
Let’s say we had a common opponent. Hypothetically, of course. What if a group of us had a common opponent? Someone who we all agreed we were against. Maybe this person is in a position of authority, or maybe they just wield a lot of power, or maybe they’re just loud and disruptive to our community, or maybe they very quietly go about doing and saying things that we vehemently oppose. Whatever the case, we disagree with him/her, and we decide to take action against this person. Let’s add to our hypothetical that our opponent is objectively worthy of being opposed according to widely agreed upon moral and ethical standards. Hypothetically.
So, we divide up the tasks by which we intend to counter our opponent. Some are skilled with social media and know how to wield the internet as a weapon, so they go online and let the world know how we feel. Some want to be in the streets, so they organize protests and schedule a march. Others decide to search for a person who they can raise up into a position of power to oppose our opponent publicly. Still others are old school and start a letter writing campaign to the local paper. Some in our group are talented extroverts, so they make our case verbally to anyone who will listen. I could go on, but you likely get the point. There are all manner of ways that we could exercise our opposition to our common opponent. Most of the things we could come up with are probably great, and members of our group should carry them out with vigor, heart, and creativity.
What if Jesus were in our group? And as we planned and divided up tasks he sat quietly in the back of the room. He gave off an energy of support, but he didn’t say anything while we worked out our strategy to oppose our common opponent.
When we were all finished he said, “Can I say something before we all head out?”
“Sure, Jesus, of course,” we replied.
He said, “Thank you. All I have to add is that I think you’ve left a few things off the to-do list.”
“Hmmm. What did we forget?”
“Who is going to bless your opponent?
Who is going to pray for your opponent?
Who is going to cast love towards your opponent?”
Does your opponent hate you?” said Jesus.
“We think so, it sure seems like it.” we replied.
“Well, do you remember when I taught you that you are to do good to those who hate you? Who is going to do good to your opponent?”
“But, Jesus,” we protested, “that’s not the kind of work we’re about right now?”
“Really,” said Jesus, “why wouldn’t my teachings be leavened into your opposition?
You don’t all have to do it, but someone needs to look for the Christ in your opponent. Someone needs to pray for him/her. Someone needs to commit themselves to ignoring your opponent's character defects and dedicate themselves to loving him/her as God loves him/her. You’re off to a good start. I just think you’ve left a few jobs off the to-do list.” After he said that, Jesus got quiet again.
This hypothetical has been on my mind because as the people of the world go about our usual arguments it strikes me that it would be easy for Christians (especially me) to forget the Sermon on the Mount and the way that it charges us with the most difficult work of all - love your enemies. Certainly we should do all we can and more for the Gospel causes of justice, mercy, and compassion. Certainly we should speak up for and reach out to the marginalized, impoverished, and persecuted. But if we forget to bless, pray for, and love the ones we oppose, then we’re at a deficit in our efforts.
There should be some among us who constantly look for the Christ in the people we oppose. My sense is that not everyone is called to that work, but some are, and we should be grateful to them. If some are going to express our anger toward our opponent, then others among us should express God’s unconditional love toward our opponent.
Of course, this is all just hypothetical.