These are words from the master of how to live in a world of
broken and hurting people. In these simple instructions he turns everything
upside down, inside out and offers us a vision of life that would change the
world. I wonder...what would happen if a few of us tried it? What would happen
if you really lived them out? Why don’t
we try it and see….
“To you who are ready for
the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you,
not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of
prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take
it. If someone grabs your shirt, gift-wrap your best coat and make a present of
it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the
servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. Here is a simple rule
of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then
grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you
expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help
those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If
you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity?
The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. I tell you, love your enemies. Help and
give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out
this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and
graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. Don’t
pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of
course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that
hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give
away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back
with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets
generosity.” -Jesus
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