by David Brenneman
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same." Luke 6:27-33.
I admit and confess, this passage has been difficult of late to navigate. It's very difficult when situations are seemingly one-sided, that you cannot speak to the other person.
In my life I have, on more than one occasion, have seen the Spirit of God go places where I could not in resolving situations.
As the Bible says: all things are possible with God.
It's as much our attitude behind our choices as it is the choices we make.
It's quite frankly more than just leading the horse to water. That particular horse needs to know it's ok to drink.
Life is full of situations. It on us to calm down enough to realize that is what they are to God. Nothing surprises God. Not a single thing.
My life of late has no shortages of situations. The harder part for me is to take steps to react as God wants me to.
Unsaved people aren't going to understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. We will see things differently. At least we're supposed to.
I pray for these in my life first and foremost for salvation. The Spirit needs to intercede in ways that I cannot. From what little I know...I am seeing things happening in ways that are tearing down walls.
Sadly, for a few, God's probably going to have to take a life in order to break through to them.
Jesus says a whole lot in that short opening passage.
The truth of the matter is all of that is found to be true in life application.
My heart grieves for situations such as this that I am having to wait on.
The heart of Jesus grieves over the billions alive today who keep drumming up excuses to reject His free gift of salvation.
Part of the situations in my life are those who are indeed rejecting Jesus. Trying to be God and God keeps taking away more and more from their lives. He is God and we are not.
In Proverbs King Solomon wrote many things to describe the true failed lives of the wicked. Even if the outward appearance is showing success, they will fail.
In the New Testament we read of the truths of God's word in that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We're to trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:19-21.
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28.
In all this I remember that we're not doormats either.
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 7:6.
I strive to only fight the battles that are for me to fight. If they're God's, leave them to God to accomplish.
My prayer is for salvation and restoration. My words are one thing but I often must wait upon the Lord's timing. Do what I am given to do and leave the consequences to Him. My Dear Reader, God never ever loses.
To possibly the person or people needing to read this...I am praying for you. You have no control over that part of my life. My heart grieves and my Savior hears me.
My hope and prayer is laid out before all. Jesus loves you more than I do. He knows the truth about everything...not just what you think you know.
You are loved regardless.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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