In the Old Testament it was considered normal to hate your enemies and this is still the universally applicable default. But I introduced the radical concept of loving your enemies. Do you think your enemies are worthy of hatred? But hate is a characteristic of the one doing the hating, not of the one who is hated. This is reason enough for not hating. For the one who hates takes on the property of hating. Do you understand the importance of this commandment and desire to follow it? Does it seem to be an impossible task? I will accept you for your affirmation and desire.

Do you see salvation as a binary state, with the sheep on one side and the goats on the other? You could liken this to academic classes that are based on the pass/fail system. But most academic work is based on a scale of grades, so there are several levels of performance. What grade would you expect to get on a test of basic Christian doctrine? Do you think that such a test will be required for the entrance into the Kingdom of God? What grade would you expect to get on being kind to the least of these? What grade would you get on not causing offenses or causing little ones to stumble?

Have you ever worked behind the scenes? This is a common phrase borrowed from stage productions, in which the actors are in front of the scenes on stage, but much of the real work goes on behind the scenes. Some positions lend themselves to being highly visible, and others do not. If you have ever served in this way you know that it doesn’t involve much recognition or appreciation, even if it is important. Do you feel slighted and neglected because of this? You are in good company. How would you describe my influence in the world?

Are you afraid of being vulnerable? Do you avoid vulnerability as an experience of weakness? The alternative is to be defended. This provides you a hedge against risk and exposure. This may give you a sense of security against attack, but what else does it defend you from? Vulnerability is necessary for growth and transformation. If you avoid it you are defending yourself against your own progress. Do you see vulnerability as an attractive quality in other people or as weakness? Do you find defensiveness as an attractive quality in others?