Set alongside this lesser known version of the Beatitudes, Jesus gives his listeners some instructions that are not easy to follow. He boldly asks his followers to love their enemies with deliberate and costly action. It is a hard teaching. A careful cultural study of the text reveals some wisdom of a non-violent approach to responding to oppression. There may be ways that our responses might help our oppressors awaken to our common humanity and dignity. Even still, these verses invite us into ongoing relationship with the One who loves us. How else can we gain the wisdom and perspective to know what loves calls for in any given situation?
This passage may stir up places of pain, suffering and agony within. Before you settle in to read the text, go slow. Remember what helps you anchor into your essential belovedness. Begin there, remembering that you are loved, chosen and held within God’s compassionate gaze. Christ is in you and with you. The Spirit can help you notice and live into the boundaries you need to live compassionately and wisely.
We need the wisdom of love to meet us and guide us as we encounter those who hurt us, oppress us, or frighten us. Come Lord, make haste to help us.
Luke 6:27-37 (NLT)
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
For Reflection and Prayer:
As you listened to the text, was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention? Gently repeat the word or phrase, giving it room to settle deeply in your heart.
Reflect on what you heard. Relish the words. Notice how the word or words affected you. Which emotions stirred within you? Be with what is there for you. You might choose to journal about what you heard.
Respond to what you heard and reflected on in your prayer with God. Is there a prayer of which rises within you?
Rest in God as you simply be and entrust yourself to God in the quiet.
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