DO I HAVE TOO?

My sister was four years older than me.  We played together well most of the time.  When we argued, mom would step in and tell us to apologize to each other. I asked often, "Do I have too?" Mom replied "yes, you have too."  We would say "sorry" in such a half-hearted way.  I hated being forced to do say "sorry" for I wasn't.  Yet, I found myself doing the same thing when our children were growing up.  

Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to love others as ourselves.  When we hear this, we ask "DO I HAVE TOO?"  Jesus replies, "Yes, you do."  But Jesus, do you know what he is like?  But Jesus, do you know what she did to me?  But Jesus, they fired me,  This is the hardest part.  What does it mean to love others as ourselves?  No, Jesus, I really don't know how, for some people are down right unlovable.  

Jesus replies "treat others as you want to be treated." Now Jesus, what if ... Jesus interrupts, But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,[ carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow."  (Matthew 5:39-42 NLT)

"But...." I argue. "No exceptions", Jesus stops me again.  “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!  In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.  If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.  If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that."( Matthew 5:43-48 NLT)