Loving our enemies

‘But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back. Do for others just what you want them to do for you.’         (verses 27-31)

Read Luke 6:27-38

When I stand in line to pay for my trolley full of the day’s shopping, I have time to look at the front covers of all the magazines for sale. Love is mentioned a lot, in terms of finding a love at last, pictures of someone’s wedding, gossip, or love for a new baby.

Jesus challenges the accepted meaning of loving others. He wants us to think about love in more than human terms. Love means even loving our enemies, people we don’t like, or who give us a hard time!

The love Jesus is talking about is unconditional love. It is the most beautiful to receive, and often the hardest to give. It is a love that is given without any thought of return. It is a love that doesn’t discriminate, or depend on the merits of the other person. It is Jesus’ kind of love in action.

Dear Jesus, help me to love people as you do – completely and unconditionally. Thank you for giving your life for me. Amen.

Written by Gwen Schultz from “Renewed Hope for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers, 2000)

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