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
Blessed is not a word we often use in our lives, but when we do it usually corresponds to being lucky, fortunate, or having aspects of life work out just right. For God’s ancient people these meanings were expanded with the meaning of being favored by the Divine. David was blessed, Abraham was blessed, Noah was blessed, Moses was blessed.
You may not feel like it, but you are blessed. If you have a device to read this devotion on or even access to high-speed internet, you are blessed. If you have clean water and shelter, you are blessed. If you have choices about what to eat today, you are blessed.
The Divine shines on you with favor, love, and light. The question is: what do you do with your blessing? Is it just for you or is it something to share? In Genesis 12:1-3, God blesses Abram so that he can be a blessing to all people. We too are blessed to share the blessing of the Divine. You are blessed to be a blessing. You are loved so that you can love.
Prayer
Loving Lord, help us to see the blessings you have given us as gifts to be shared. Help us to love ourselves and others as you love us. Amen.
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