Reflections from July 7, 2010

Today we learn about loving enemies, not just those we don't like, but people who bitterly oppose us. It says in Luke 6:27-29, "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either."

As we said, Jesus didn't just mean those people who are unpleasant. He meant those we hate, and hate us. In Jesus' time, this was generally to mean the Gentiles and Romans living all around the Jews. There was Baal worship in the area that introduced pagan ideas and practices; as well as the Roman authorities and their troops who exploited the Jews through taxation and political manipulation.

In our life, it may be someone we know, or it may be an entire culture of people that we "hate." Whoever it is, Jesus commands us to "pray for" them. Not only do we lift them up to Jesus and the salvation that He can offer through the Holy Spirit, Jesus will use this in our life to soften our hearts.

A simple message is offered in Luke 7:50 which reads, "Then He said to the woman, 'Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.'"

This came about when Jesus had dinner with a pharisee, Simon, and this woman was able to gain entrance to the dinner party, and wash the feet of Jesus and anoint Him with fragrant oil. Washing of feet was a common practice, and was typically a token of hospitality offered to guests when arriving at a home. Feet were dirty due to the dust and type of open footwear. Oil was also offered to make feet and skin feel much better. However, Simon offered none of this to Jesus. What he did do is state his opinion of what the woman was doing for Jesus. Jesus replied of her great faith and desire to serve her Lord and Jesus responded with forgiveness and tenderness.

We can learn from His simple act of kindness, compassion and forgiveness. No matter the background and previous lifestyles; as one turns to Jesus to serve Him and be pleasing to the Lord, we can accept them just as Jesus does.

Blessings to all