Years ago, when I was just a young boy, I was watching a western on TV and in this western, a young man was a "Christian" and being bullied by another cowboy. When the cowboy hit him and knocked him down, the "Christian" stood up and got knocked down again. When he stood up the second time he said, "The Bible says that if someone slaps you on the one cheek, turn the other cheek to them. But after that, it doesn't say anything!"...and then hit the bully in the face. But he misread...the Bible says a lot before and after that.
This is radical...love your enemies...do good to those that hate you...but Jesus said he was speaking to those that are listening...an open heart to what He was saying. Maybe you ask, how do I love my enemy? It isn't as simple as thinking nice thoughts and ignoring someone who is attacking you. We need to listen...it is a call from Jesus to allow him to do a heart change...to put in us the kind of heart toward our enemies that was in God who sent Jesus to redeem and forgive a world full of hateful, unkind, intentionally evil people. Liars, cheaters, thieves, selfish, real God-haters, foul-mouthed, vengeful, unforgiving, unfaithful...it's a very long list and pictures us at our very worst. Somehow God loves the people of Israel who turn their back on him...over and over...again and again. He just doesn't stop...he never gives up. They are unfaithful then punished, but then God is right back at seeking to bless them. He doesn't ever give up. He has a heart of love for the loveless and unlovable. That is what we need to love our own enemies. The Bible gives us plenty of powerful examples to follow. Radical...yes...but it works when our hearts are open and listening to what Jesus is saying. LUKE 6:27-3627 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.29 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. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 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.35 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.36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
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AuthorThe Pastors of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church Archives
July 2017
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