Loving our "neighbors"

On May 1st I wrote a blog that used the biblical quote, “As you have done it unto the least of these …” and then I received an email that included the following story. If I were still preaching, which I wish I were – at least occasionally would be nice, I would be telling this story. Enjoy:

Dart Test...
A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.

One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day.

On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.

The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.

Dr. Smith said only these words.... 'In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.'
Matthew 25:40.

No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.

This kind of goes along with a particular idea that I have, which I cannot back up scripturally (which is always a little more than dangerous), but nevertheless I believe that the essence of the concept can be heard within the confines of scripture. My concept is that St. Peter, sitting at the Pearly Gates of Heaven, checking people in takes on the personality and outward appearance of the person(s) that we hate the most. We have to get past our hate relations prior to enjoy the benefits of the heavenly relationship with the Heavenly Father. How can we love God whom we have not seen if we do not love our neighbor whom we have seen? Interesting question.

Quote for today: “It is natural to love them that love us, but it is supernatural to love them that hate us.” Author unknown