Modern Living

"But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you,  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also. And if anyone takes away your coat, don't hold back your shirt either. Give to everyone who asks you, and from one who takes your things, do not ask for them back. Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." Luke 6:27-36

What Jesus is saying flies in the face of our culture. Now, if a man makes a pass at a woman publically, he pays and pays dearly. Yes it is inappropriate but we are in a society that sues quickly instead of forgiving quickly.

The bottom line is: love is merciful. Grace and mercy is at the heart of our Father. If I am in Him, and He is in me, then I can forgive, I  can give expecting nothing in return.

The challenge, as a Christian, is to live in my culture, with wisdom, giving honour where honour is due and grace where it is unexpected. Amen!

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