And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves...

 

Next to the King James Bible, my favorite book of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.  I love the simple, yet profound truths it holds.  I love the fact that it is told from the perspective of a child.  Most of all, though, I love Atticus Finch; his gentle strength, steadfast courage, abiding patience, genuine humility, unwavering loyalty, clear sense of right and wrong, devotion to justice, and merciful forgiveness combine to form the quintessential gentleman. 

Of this list of virtues, I am most impressed by Atticus' merciful forgiveness, not only to those who choose enmity with him, but also those whose principles and whose understanding of right and wrong run counter to his.  Atticus' willingness to exhibit mercy and forgiveness to his friends and neighbors is counter-intuitive in the extreme, given the racial bigotry, prejudice, anger and hate to which Atticus and his children are subjected.

At one point in the novel, Atticus says, "This time we aren't fighting the Yankees, we're fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they're still our friends and this is still our home."  In spite of the fact that Atticus believes he is morally right and that his neighbors are wrong, he is still willing to continue treating them with genuine love and respect.  Instead of distancing himself from his community, he proudly claims it as his home.  Atticus stands resolutely for his principles, but he doesn't allow his principles to stand in the way of compassion and friendship.

How do we love those who oppose us?  Forgive friends who hurt us?  Embrace our community even when it is inhospitable?  After all, Atticus Finch wasn't a real person; he is just a character in a novel.

Thinking back to my other favorite book mentioned above (the King James Bible), there is a different character whose righteousness, love, and mercy comes to mind, but He is a historical one, not a fictional one.  Christ was opposed by government officials, religious scholars and leaders, by neighbors, friends, and even His own family, but instead of reacting with anger and vengeance, He responded with love and forgiveness.  He told the very followers who He knew would later betray Him that they were His friends.  And, as He hung dying on the cross, Christ prayed for the forgiveness of his torturers. 

When we are subjected to persecution, injustice, cruelty, or oppression, Christ offers us a counter-intuitive model to follow.  It is so easy to react with anger, bitterness, and retribution, but Christ calls us to demonstrate love, kindness, gentleness, and compassion instead.  By ourselves, this can be tremendously difficult, but He promises that we can do all things through Him, and if we're willing, He can do amazing things through us.  In this world, we're likely to experience a great deal of suffering, but in the midst of that suffering, Christ can help us.  He can help us to love our enemies, forgive betrayers, and even embrace a hostile community if that's where we find ourselves.  When we rely on Christ, He will give us the strength and love that we need.