luke 23: the common enemy

Today’s Reading: Luke 23

“That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.” Luke 23:12

There are many things in this world that unite people: interests, hobbies, workplace, favorite teams, place where you live, etc. But, there is one other unfortunate event that can also unite; a common enemy. And this is what happened in Luke Chapter 23. Herod and Pilate became friends when they were once enemies. They found a new target to direct all of their attention towards: Jesus. Luke notes that Pilate admits he doesn’t find anything wrong with Jesus, yet he chooses to people-please to make sure everyone likes him, including his new friend Herod.

Have you ever found yourself disliking someone just because of what other people said about them? You hear all the dirt about what they did so you determine your opinion about them as well. It doesn’t matter if the person telling you the information is your friend or not. It’s easy to jump in and agree whether you say something or don’t say something. Misery loves company, and it’s easier to join in the complaining, then it is to correct someone to love others.

In our lives, we interact with a variety of people. Some we like and some we don’t like. Make sure you don’t establish your opinion simply because you conform to the complaining of others. Jesus commands us to love all people. Show love to others whenever you can, and find ways to guide others to do the same.

Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you truly love others.