Luke 6: 27 – 36 Love for enemies
‘But to you who are listening I say: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, What credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.’
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“Love your enemies? You’re joking, Lord! Aren’t you?”
Silence.
“What, even that person who ‘borrowed’ hundreds of pounds and never paid it back?”
Silence.
“What about that person who tweeted all those hurtful comments about me?”
Silence.
“What about those youths who surrounded me, and called me a ‘f*****g tranny’? They frightened me, especially when they came back and shouted insults outside my home. What about them, Lord?”
Silence.
“What about that man who made me redundant? I had to leave the place I loved, and all my dear friends. That hurt, Lord.”
Silence.
“You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry. I find it difficult.”
“I know. It is difficult. Did you expect following me to be easy?”
“No, Lord. But I don’t understand…”
“Don’t worry about not understanding. I’m calling you to love. Love all those I send to you. Love your enemies. I shall be with you.”
“Lord, I’m sorry I don’t love as much as I should. Please help me to do better. Please help me to love my enemies.”
“Penny, remember that I love your enemies. I want the best for them as well as for you. Remember above all that you are my dear daughter, and I will keep you safe for everlasting life.”
“Thank you, Father. Thank you!”
Prayer
Heavenly Father
Thank you for your love for me and for all humankind. Help me to love with your love, wanting the best for all those I meet.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Seeking the Light 