27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:27-36
This past week, I got to serve on the Resolutions Committee for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Each year, the resolutions committee speaks to and for the Texas Baptists messengers by deciding what should be resolved at each year’s annual meeting.
This year, we passed a resolution that Pastor Parker summarized as, “We believe the Bible, but we don’t have to be jerks about it!” In fact, everyone loved that and actually preferred that wording!
In the current cultural climate, our Christians ideals are often attacked because our God-inspired world-view puts us out of step with the culture around us. The easy responses to those attacks are to join the shouting matches and social media frenzies, live with anger and hate toward certain groups, or just ignore it all together: but that is how the world lives.
I don’t always enjoy the words of Jesus. I don’t want to do good to those who hate me, bless those who curse me or pray for my abusers. I don’t want to turn the other cheek to harsh social media posts against Christians. Yet, that is what Jesus calls me to do. Jesus seems to be asking way more of me here than just not being a jerk!
Who are your enemies right now? Who hates you, curses you, or steals from you? Now think about how you can love them, bless them, and pray for them. For me, it is easier to start by not being a jerk; but cultivating a Jesus-following life where I pray for my enemies can shape me enough to bless them and eventually love them. Not being a jerk, unfortunately, is just not quite enough!
When was the last time you loved, blessed, and prayed for your enemy? It may have been a while, but you can start now!
Pastor Ray is the Pastor of Worship and Administration at FBC Weslaco. He is done with his two year rotation on the Texas Baptists’ resolutions committee and is happy to attend the Family Gathering in McAllen this next July 16-18 as a regular guy! He hopes you will attend as well and volunteer for the numerous service opportunities that will be available.
This is not technically a fantasy football devotional, but I think it is safe to say that you should love your fantasy football enemy for the week as well - with a little loving trash-talk!