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.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Sharon Lundquist <lundquistsharon4@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
Send your feedback to the author