Chaplain's Corner
Post 43 Chaplain Donna Callaway
Loving Your Judas
Love each other.
We probably all know that’s something we should do, and hopefully we aim for- but what about when it’s someone who did you wrong? Someone who intentionally hurt you, slandered you, offended you, mistreated you, was rude or disrespectful to you, or used you? Especially if they don’t seem to care or have any remorse, and even harder, if they are getting ahead without any kind of punishment, even endorsed or backed up by others?
Love is not the first thing that we think to do toward those people. Yet that is exactly what God tells us to do.
Matthew 5:43-44 says,
“”You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Love your neighbor — and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
And one of the topics Jesus discussed in the Beatitudes was loving your enemies; a portion of that is here from the book of Luke:
““But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”
Luke 6:27-28, 31, 35-36 NLT
So how do we get to a place where we can love our enemies? It’s certainly not a natural thing to feel or do. However, when we do it, not only are we reflecting the way of God and following His example, but it can be a releasing of the pain and hurt to God, which can bring us to a place of much more peace and joy. It can even free us from the hold and focus the situation or person has had on us mentally and emotionally.
The way we can go from vengeful and negative feelings toward someone like this is choosing to love, and then giving it all to God. We can ask Him to show us how to walk that out. The Bible gives us some examples of people who did this that we can reflect on.
Joseph-Joseph’s brothers did some awful things to him. He had even more awful things happen to him after that. But, he ended up in a powerful position- and when his brothers were in a place of need, he was kind and generous. He could have withheld and let them “have a taste of their own medicine” where they would suffer, but instead he loved and blessed them when the time came. Joseph was used not only to help his brothers, but his family- and the entire empire, full of some people who had done him wrong- when they all were in dire need. He chose to love and bless, and the impact literally saved lives.
David- King Saul tried to kill David multiple times. And this was after David had done good things for Saul. A time came where David had an opportunity to kill Saul. Yet, David had mercy and did not kill him.
Jesus- Jesus knew that Judas would betray him. That betrayal, He also knew, would be the beginning of intense torture, pain, and ultimately, an agonizing death on the cross. Yet, Jesus ate with Judas right before that betrayal. Rather than retaliating, Jesus included Judas at that last meal with his closest friends.
These examples help us to see it’s possible and what we should aim for, but loving those who have done us wrong, our enemies, is not easy. Especially if they are actively against you. Forgiveness is not easy, especially when no apology has come, and may never come. We need God’s help to love, to forgive, and to bless in these circumstances.
Forgiveness is healing, even when it doesn’t seem warranted to forgive. Even when the person hasn’t changed. Even when they still talk badly about you, curse you, or hate you.
We have a choice. We can hold onto feeling vengeful, spiteful, or some kind of negative way, and when we have the opportunity, we can retaliate or treat them bad- or we can choose to forgive and love by praying for and blessing those people.
Loving, forgiving, and blessing does not mean we have to have them in our life, think what they are doing is ok and support them, or even like them. But it does mean to not reciprocate their hate, wrong doing, or injustice. We can choose to love, forgive, and bless. It’s about our own heart posture. It may not happen right away- but with God’s help, we can get to that place.
I have personally walked through this, and it hasn’t been easy, but it’s possible. And it’s a game changer. I promise. God is good. He can empower us to do what feels impossible.
Like the passage from the book of Luke says, our Father is compassionate. He has forgiven us and loves us, blesses us, even when we have done horrible things, even if those things are directed at Him! He can show us and help us reflect that same character of His in our own lives. That journey may impact more than you realize- not just you and that person, but communities, or more. Love is the most powerful thing- in all things.
Who is the Judas, or enemy, in your life? No matter what has happened or how long it has been, you can still give the situation to God, and ask Him to help you love, forgive, and bless them.
Prayer Requests
Jere Romano- Jere is our Department Commander and many of you know him. Please pray for his health to be completely well and restored.
Please pray for our post and leaders.
Please continue to pray for our members who may have silent or anonymous prayer requests, as well as those who may be mourning, struggling, or suffering at this time. There’s probably more people going through things than most of us know-and it’s important we include them in our prayers!
Prayer is powerful and God hears!
As always, if you need prayer or support, please know there are several ways to reach your chaplain. There is a prayer request form you can fill out here: https://form.jotform.com/ChaplainAL43/prayerrequest
You can input as little or as much information as you are comfortable with.
You can also reach out directly to chaplain@post43.org if you'd rather do that.
There are also chaplains for the sons, auxiliary, and riders that are available as well.
If you want to pray but are not sure how to pray, please reach out too. We are happy to guide you to pray alone also!
It's ok to not be ok. You are not alone.
The Suicide and Crisis Hotline is also available 24/7: dial or text 988
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
May peace and comfort surround you. May you and your families be well physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. May God make His presence and love felt in your life, now and always. Shalom, and many blessings to you all!
Blessings and Gratitude,
Your Chaplain, Donna Callaway and Assistant Chaplain, Rocio Palmero