The Love that Transforms

“While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son…” Romans 5:10

It is one thing for us to admit that we have our share of weaknesses. Most of us can at least confess that we daily struggle in a variety of ways. Yet for us to truly own the weight of our sin and the depth our depravity, well, that’s a step more difficult to take. Scripture describes us as weak and ungodly, sinners far from God that have fallen short of His perfect mark (Romans 5:6-8, Romans 3:23). But it goes on to reveal that we are even worse than that.

Left alone, not one of us would seek for God; not one of us would pursue Him or His righteousness (Romans 3:9-12). In fact, we were hostile towards the cross. Not only did we fail to see our desperate need for a Savior, we wanted nothing to do with Him. And this is what makes the gospel so scandalous – that, “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.” What kind of love is this?! How rich is this mercy! How great a grace! Not as we were displaying signs of improvement, not at the moment that we started trying harder, or because we showed hints of our untapped potential, but in the midst of utter rebellion, that is precisely when and why Christ died for us.

So on this day that we remember and celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy, let us examine that which fueled his perseverance. When faced with threats and opposition at each and every turn, what drove him to stay the course? Where did King gain such a capacity to endure? I contend that his strength and inspiration came from the cross of Christ. Reflect on his own words and consider his motivation.

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

Martin Luther King could only say this in light of the grace he had received. He knew it to be true. The God who had liberated the Israelites from Pharaoh had broken the chains of his own heart. He had personally been forgiven of much, freeing him up to forgive others. He had been shown love he did not deserve, which enabled him to be merciful to his most contentious opponents. The only hope for peace and justice in the South would come in the same way – through a gracious, determined, undying, love. How did King resist returning violence against those who so vehemently opposed him? And how can we ever learn to pray for our enemies? Only through love, the kind rooted in the One who is Love (1 John 4:8).

Have you thought about where you’d be without Christ? Who are we that God is even mindful of us? Has there ever been a greater proof of love, than God chasing after the affections of His enemies? May we dwell on this gift so divine and might we allow God’s radical love to compel us today. We have taken steps forward since Dr. King, but we still have such a long way to go. The only remedy to evil in MLK’s day remains our only hope in this hour. Might we work together to fulfill the dream – bringing glory to God through our love and service to one another as those made in His very image. Christ has come to set the captives free, and one day, He will come back again to redeem all things. Might we persevere in the promise of His hope and meditate on the love that transforms enemies to friends.

Matt Fowler
Associate Pastor of Missions & Students
matt@nbchurch.info
@fattmowler