loveable...

Okay, so I love being challenged... as long as it does not persecute me personally. I on the other hand HATE when people attack me, my values, my thoughts, my actions. I like to tell myself that this isn't pride in myself, but pride in my Fathers creation. For He made me who I am, and I consult with Him most of the time (i know, i know) but I digress... so this passage challenges me to the core, because although it is not a new idea to me, it is a reminder more often than not that I am not the loving person I should be, heck I don't always manage to "love the loveable" much less the unloveable, does everyone struggle with this???

43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[b] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

But I love The Message version,

43-47"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

I know... let everyone bring out the best in you.. wow!