Love your enemies

“Die voetewassing van Jacob Zuma” / “The Feet-washing of Jacob Zuma”

Recently I taught a Bible class and we spoke about Jesus’ inclusive character – how He treated the ostracised of society with grace and forgiveness. I also referred to Jesus’ radical teaching in the Oliviet Discourse, and the extreme teaching of loving your enemies.

To try and make it practical I asked the members in my Bible class to each name someone they consider enemies. Being good Christian folk they don’t have enemies and so I had to change my approach. “Who then,” I asked “if you had to choose, do you not like?”

Two names came up as statistically significant. Both political figures – Robert Mugabe, the dicatator-president of our neighbouring country, Zimbabwe, and our own once vice-president, Jacob Zuma. The latter came up the most. Zuma is a notorious presence in South Africa. Recently voted as the president of the ruling party, the Afican National Congress, Zuma is likely to become the next president of South Africa in 2009. Although a democracy, South Africa is not a healthy democracy as there are no real opposition parties to balance the ruling party. To many, the idea of Zuma as our next president is a chilling thought.

Zuma is infamous for his unruly behaviour. He was let off from his position as vice-president by the current president, Thabo Mbeki, for alleged corruption. He is notorious for his sexual escapades, polygamy and hordes of children (many out of wedlock). He shocked the nation during a rape-trial (him being the accused) for admitting to having had unprotected sex with an HIV-positive woman (decades his junior) and then taking a shower afterwards as infection-prevention. This single act negated years of AIDS-prevention education amongst the black community who look up to Zuma as a role model.

Regardless of his unconventional lifestyle, Zuma is a charismatic character with a large following of political supporters, especially under the black male youths. His example only encourages licentiousness and chauvinism.

It, therefore, makes much sense to me that my group of Bible study students should list Jacob Zuma as somebody they dislike.

And then I dropped the bombshell: “Jesus teaches that you should love Jacob Zuma.” Love the sinner, not the sins – yes, but do love the sinner!

In demonstration of this principle Jesus washed the feet not only of his loyal disciples, but also of Judas Iscariot, the “friend” that would stab him in the back. Jesus had mercy on the whores, and cared for the downtrodden. Jesus audibly forgave those that spat on and tortured him. Jesus loved his enemies.

The challenge of being a disciple of Christ is a radical one – a most unnatural one. It does not come naturally to us to love those we dislike – not to mention our enemies! It is not merely unnatural - it is supernatural.

But for the grace of God, it is impossible! To love your enemies is a wholly divine act. Christianity is a wholly divine religion.