LUKE 6:27-28

But I tell you who hear me; love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.  Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you

TO PONDER

Mark Twain, the author, was once asked, “Don’t you have a problem, as a Christian, with all those bits of the Bible you do not understand?”  He replied, “It’s not the bits I don’t understand that cause me problems.  It’s the bits I do understand that give me problems.”     I agree, as I consider the text for today, it is hard to read and even harder to begin to act as Jesus did and also asks us to.

I am fortunate that I have only experienced situations where misunderstandings created tension; where the parties involved soon saw the damage being done and worked at forgiveness and restoring friendships. However, that doesn't always happen.  Many people suffer physical abuse, racial abuse, and verbal abuse designed to destroy their name or reputation, it is evident in our own communities and sadly, also in our churches.

Human nature wants revenge and pay back. However, Luke tells us there is a better way. Jesus showed us the ultimate way – as he suffered on the cross he asked his Father God to "forgive them as they did not know what they were doing.”   Throughout Jesus’ ministry he faced opposition and in his last days endured much abuse and cruelty, but he didn’t fight back. Even though he was suffering for our sins, he endured our abuse and evil and he prayed for us and obeyed his Father.   That’s where our journey in dealing with people who abuse, hurt and mistreat us begins -with prayer.  We need help to overcome our natural emotions of resentment and anger and mirror God’s own mercy and love for all people, even those who are ungrateful or evil.  God’s Holy Spirit will give us words and cues as we begin the journey.  We are not asked to like the offender but to act in love so that even his attitude might be changed.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, during your life and ministry on this earth you set an example how to love all people. During your trial and crucifixion, you showed how to deal with extreme hate and cruelty by depending on God and Holy Spirit to give you strength.  I pray that I you might deliver me from evil, but when I do have to face it, ask that you would help me to face it with your love.  Amen

Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle