“I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you.”

When Jesus spoke about loving your enemy, His words were addressed to people who lived among their enemies, in subjugation to them. The Jews felt the Roman sandal on their necks. They tasted Roman steel and bore the yoke of Caesar’s taxes. These were people who knew what it meant to hate - - up close and personal. To them, Christ’s message must have seemed radical; and yet, they were drawn to Him and His message of unconditional love.

To get some idea of the healing power of that type of love, on your next visit to a drug store, take note of one of the largest displays in the store. Chances are, it's right near the front door. It isn’t headache or stomach remedies; it isn’t over the counter drugs. This display is usually bigger than the pharmacy itself. It's the greeting card section. Row after row of good news, expressions of love and concern, they are balm for the soul. That’s what greeting cards are. That's what people hunger for - - something to soothe the wounded human spirit - - love.

Americans are the only people on earth to have adopted the custom of sending greeting cards, prepackaged sentiments in which one size fits all. It says something about our culture and our need for loving support that we spend billions each year on greeting cards. But too often those cards are reserved for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. . .when, in fact, people are eager to hear good news every day.

The kind of unconditional love Jesus speaks about knows no holidays or special occasions. It challenges us to look past the faults of those we love, to embrace them and remind them that we care about them.  Every day.

Today, someone you love may need to hear how much you care. They may need affirmation. They may need to know they’re not alone. They may even need to be reminded that God the Father cared enough to send his very best.