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(presented by Lisa Bishop)
When you are treated unkindly, how do you respond?
Think about it, when was the last time you were mistreated, or hurtful words were flung at you? A co-worker throws you under the bus, a family member shuns you because of your faith, or a friend cancels you because of your political views. Do you maintain your composure or lash back with your words or actions? It can be tempting to fight fire with fire. In a world where people seem to be more stressed out and on edge than ever before it doesn’t take much to set people off and in turn react in retaliation with even the slightest of offense.
In the gospel of Luke, we see Jesus being called out and condemned by the Pharisees and teachers of the religious law. They were “filled with fury” because Jesus was healing on the Sabbath and they “discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus” (Luke 6:11). They were plotting his demise and devising ways to destroy him. It’s a pretty intense situation. Jesus knows the thoughts and intentions of those who were against him and yet this is what he says to his followers.
Luke 6:27-28
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Luke 6:31-36
Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that…… But love your enemies, do good to them….. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the most high because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Now you and I most likely do not have enemies that are trying to take us down like Jesus experienced. But we are called to follow his example and take on his demeanor when we are faced with mistreatment. God shows love towards his enemies and is kind to those who are evil. That is a tall order and only possible through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit at work in you. Treating others the way we would want to be treated is a divine characteristic. The next time you are wronged, don’t retaliate. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond with kindness and mercy.