Luke 6
In verses 32-35 Jesus is challenging us to go beyond normal behavior. Normal behavior is to love those who love us, be good to those who are good to us, and lend to those who can repay. His point is that even the worst of people do those acts. But if we love our enemies, do good to our enemies, or lend to those who won't repay, those are extraordinary actions. Few do such acts because they are very difficult. They are the type of actions to which Jesus calls us.
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What powerful words - especially those in Ken's comment! They remind me of the discussion in "The Hole in Our Gospel" about loving other's children as much as our own. Many years ago in a previous church, there was almost a "revolt" by some members because of an infamous "rice dinner" (instead of the traditional Thanksgiving one) and showing a movie of starving children in Africa. As I sat watching this movie (probably one of the first of its kind in showing the world the needs in Africa), I couldn't help but think, "What if that was my child on the screen?" When I said this to a few people, I was looked at in total disdain - and I tended to forget! I am so grateful to be reminded again by Jesus' words and this book that this is part of our calling. I will never forget the prayer in our book of the founder of World Vision, "Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." I know God's heart is broken by what's happening in Haiti and in Africa and in so many other places of the world - and also by me when I do nothing!
ReplyDeleteThis behavior that Jesus is talking about, loving our enemies is what sets us apart as Christians. It is easy to sit back and not pay attention to those who don't 'do good' to us, to ignore the fact that people are hurting. Sometimes I think that not doing bad is the pretty much the same as doing good-I'm not hurting anyone or making their life worse. After reading this passage, I don't think it is. Jesus is calling out to not only recognize our enemies and those who are hurting, but to reach out to them- love and provide for them, not because of what we will get in return, but for the simple fact that we are Christians and it is what we are called to do. I've found that being a Christian is sometimes difficult, that following in Jesus' footsteps often means going against the norm and taking the road less traveled.
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