The other day, I was perusing a number of photos of U.S. military personnel serving overseas. The montage showed these men and women performing random acts of kindness toward local persons where they were stationed.
The interaction of soldiers and children showed laughter and smiles all around. There was pure enjoyment while large, fully equipped soldiers attempted to ride a child’s bicycle, or awkwardly dance in full uniform.
Soldiers were shown shaking hands with adults, providing supplies of water or bits of food — again, with smiles and laughter all the way around.
Pictures showed soldiers helping elderly or wounded persons by carrying them, supporting them or providing medical treatment.
A couple of thoughts struck me about the photos.
One was, regardless of where these military persons were stationed and interacting, all human beings have the capability to smile. All have the ability to show gratitude for acts of kindness.
Another was, there was a sense of true joy or genuine concern on the part of the soldiers and those with whom they interacted. It didn’t matter that they didn’t speak the same language. It didn’t matter that they had different cultural backgrounds.
What mattered most was human interaction, generosity, kindness; a desire to interject a bit of happiness into otherwise difficult and fearful lives.
Doing random acts of kindness, no matter how small, can turn an enemy into an ally. Sharing a smile can defuse a potentially hazardous situation. Saying “I’m sorry I hurt you” can go a long way to healing festering anger, animosity or hatred.
The madness — literally and figuratively — that appears to be taking over the world destroys our ability to care for or about those who are different from us.
It is much easier for many to want to do away with someone who is different than it is to try to understand another’s point of view. It is much easier to want to destroy an enemy than it is to pray for one.
Still, Jesus tells us to love our enemy and to pray for those who persecute us. What a radical concept! This is difficult for many to do because it takes a great deal of internal strength and perseverance.
What would your life be like if you followed this teaching of Jesus to love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you?
I challenge you to find out.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Love your enemy — a radical concept