Love All 3 - Luke 6:27-36

Luke 6:27-36

Are we people who are ready for the truth? Not just the truth that the world gives to us, but the Truth that Jesus gives to us....

When I read the words that Jesus speaks in Luke today, it does not surprise me that the people cried out for Jesus to be crucified. Anyone with an ounce of self-righteousness (which would include 99% of humanity) would be offended by His words. All of those 'good' things that we do and pat ourselves on the back for doing are thrown out the window with today's passage.

How often do we truly do something 'good', for nothing? How often do we help other people we hate? Or remain anonymous when we donate goods, services, or money? Have any of us been struck down by words or fists and stuck around to offer our attacker another shot without trying to defend ourselves?

When we are attacked, we usually fight back or run away. When we do something positive, we usually want some kind of recognition.

I don't want to say that these reactions are completely bad. We train our children to do the right thing by giving them positive affirmation. Most of the time, avoiding physical or hurtful verbal conflict would certainly seem to be the prudent thing to do.

We have to be careful, however, not to equate being 'safe' with being 'right'.

Jesus didn't call us to be safe or right. He called us to love, just as He loved.

Father God, help us to feel truly loved by you and to share that love with others whether they return it to us or not. Amen.

CS