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Listen while you read: "The Church's One Foundation"1
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Luke 6:27-31 – But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 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. (NIV)
Hanging upside down on playground bars was always fun for me as an active little girl. It was an interesting perspective for my brain to unscramble and to realize that there are more ways to see the world than the right-side up way. It was also fun to learn about opposites, like big or small, hot or cold, fast or slow, dirty or clean, mine or yours. It was important to learn these concepts early. Some kids today enjoy "backwards day" when they try wearing shirts and jackets backwards to school. Maybe they learn that some things don't work as well that way.
Jesus taught and modelled principles that are seemingly the opposite of the ordinary, conventional, normal thinking of His time — and ours as well. The automatic response of looking out for ourselves might be something opposite to what Jesus taught us. I've heard it said that the teaching and example of Jesus' life "turned the world upside down". He certainly does surprise and challenge our thinking today.
For example, I am challenged constantly with definitions of rich or poor. My perception is that I'm somewhere in the middle of being rich and poor, but it depends on who is looking at me and defining that word. Can I really justify my unthinking consumption in the light of the reality of a deeply hurting world, while there are so many opportunities to participate with others to help alleviate suffering and injustice? Can I take inventory of all "my stuff" and "my time" to release my grip and give some away?
The path of following Jesus is not wide and easy, but narrow and opposite to the world's highways. Along that narrow way, Jesus invites us to be yoked with Him, that we may together go the whole distance as we keep on learning more about Him.
Luke 6:35-36 – 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 sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (NIV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus, revealed to us Your mercy and the way to Your loving heart. Forgive us for our sinful ways. May we humbly repent of our selfish sins and choose to be yoked with Jesus for our life's journey. Amen.
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About the author:
Sharon Lundquist <lundquistsharon4@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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Thanks for the inspiration, Sharon.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Amen and amen, Sharon. Thanks for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. Blessings.
Thanks, Sharon, for another of your encouraging and directive writings. Blessings for your good words.
Thank you, Sharon for sharing such wonderful truths in such an elegant way. Continue to write such amazing devotions about our good God.
Sharon, this was a good reminder to take off our blinders and be willing to look at the world from a different perspective. Yes, God’s view of things may be quite different from ours.
Good morning, Sharon,
Thank you for your good words this morning. I always enjoy your writings.
Blessings on your weekend.
Thank you, Sharon. I particularly like this: Can I really justify my unthinking consumption in the light of the reality of a deeply hurting world, while there are so many opportunities to participate with others to help alleviate suffering and injustice? Can I take inventory of all “my stuff” and “my time” to release my grip and give some away?
Delightful opening! I was a teacher; could see you hanging there, and it has given me a wider perspective on our “upside down” life as followers of the Way.
Does my life really seem “upside down” to onlookers? What needs to change?
Bless you, Sharon,
(BC Canada)
Good morning, Sharon,
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. – It is very hard, and I need lots of help from the Holy Spirit. It falls in the category of “not judging” which I battle and battle with.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reminding me in a “cute” way how to look at this challenge. It is so much easier to be kind to people we like and who are kind to us and that poses challenges sometimes. When I hear of people who have forgiven others who have taken the life of a relative, I marvel and hope that I can achieve this forgiveness even on a smaller scale of hurt. Blessings.