Luke 6:22-31

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” vss. 27-28

After proclaiming a series of blessings and woes to the crowd on the plain, Jesus goes on in his role as a wisdom teacher to give some instruction on how his followers should live from day to day. As we might expect his directions depart from what the rabbis usually taught. He doesn’t just spout the usual proverbs about doing good and avoiding foolish behavior. In fact, what he told his disciples has been routinely dismissed as being the height of foolishness. We know very well that he said these things, but we can’t believe that he really meant them. We live in a dualistic culture where we’re encouraged to single out the “bad guys” and do all we can to destroy them. In fact that’s one of the primary messages of those involved in the current “war on crime.” We’re being taught daily to hate those who oppose us and to abuse those who disagree with us. It’s a popular message because it feeds our basest instincts–but it’s certainly not what Jesus lived and taught. He said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” And believe it or not, through the centuries many of his followers have done exactly that. It’s a radical, life-changing way to live, and  its practitioners are changing the world! 

Thought for the Day: How sincere am I as I pray for my enemies?