Our scripture this morning is Luke 6:27-37.
‘ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ‘
Jesus teaches us that in order to receive God’s love and forgiveness, we must be willing to give the same love and forgiveness to those around us. Jesus adds that we are required to practice this with not only friends and family but also with strangers. Last and perhaps most difficult for us, it is required even when that love and forgiveness is not returned.
Jesus showed us this example in His daily living, sharing God’s love and forgiveness with everyone. He may have debated the scribes and Pharisees, but He loved and forgave them, even when they were instrumental in His death. Jesus wants us all to repent and accept God’s love, and He was willing to die to show that love was real.
While our world seems filled with fear and mistrust, dissent and anger, it is up to us to break the cycle of returning evil for evil. I’ve heard it said that “you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to”, and I believe Jesus would support that kind of thinking. Instead of reflecting anger directed at us, we must respond as Jesus would, seeing the other as a beloved child of God.
Loving Lord, You teach us a hard lesson, but one we must learn to help bring Your love to the world. Bless us to be calm in the face of worldly issues and share Your peace with everyone. Amen.