Luke 6:20-31 (NRSV)
Read Luke 6:20-31 on biblegateway.com
Verse 20Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Verse 21"Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Verse 22"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Verse 23Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. Verse 24"But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Verse 25"Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Verse 26"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
Verse 27"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, Verse 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Verse 29If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Verse 30Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Verse 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Devotion
For the last eighteen months, our country has been at war. At my church -- probably at yours, too -- we've prayed for peace. We've prayed for our troops, and for their families. And, we've prayed for Saddam Hussein and the people of Iraq -- not just the innocent citizens, but the rebel fighters and their leaders. Guess which drew the biggest response?
"Love your enemies, bless those who curse you ... pray for those who mistreat you." Jesus' words are hard to hear. We feel the tension when we start to put them into practice. Sometimes they stretch us, and make us uncomfortable. Yet Jesus means for us to take them seriously. He speaks a word of truth -- God's truth, the only truth that can change our world.
As saints of God, we struggle with that word. We try as best we can to interpret it. We want to be faithful to the Holy Spirit's leading. Can we do it alone? No. But God promises to bless and guide us as we try. And in Christ, all things -- even praying for our enemies -- are possible.
Prayer
Jesus, your words challenge us to live in a new way -- your way. Help us to follow your will, even when it is hard to do. Thank you for showing us how to love all people in your name. Amen.