When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” Joshua 5:13-14

 

“The kids are fighting again,” a father sighed after listening to his sons shout at one another.

Few things discourage and hurt a parent more than witnessing mean-spirited discord between their children. To see people you love so wholeheartedly being cruel to one another is disheartening. A loving parent wants the people they love most to love one another. It’s the dream of family in our hearts.

As war rages in one place or another and cruelty is seen on both sides, it’s easy to get caught up taking sides. It’s easy to forget that all people are God’s created and beloved children. It’s His dream to see them love one another. No one’s heart breaks more over hatred and conflict than God’s. No one is more invested in the lives of each and every person involved.

There’s a story in the Bible of a leader named Joshua, coming across the commander of the God’s heavenly army (Joshua 5:13-14). Not recognizing who he’s speaking to, Joshua demands, “Are you friend or foe?” In other words, are you on my side or against me? The heavenly figure answered, “Neither one. I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?”

Often, we operate in the arrogant presumption that we can strut up to God and demand He take our side. God’s answer reminds us of our place before His awesome power and purposes. He’s God. We get on His side. God’s side is one of loving every person, regardless of their past, nationality, or politics. Ask God to give you His love for those who are unlike you, even your enemies.