A passage that keeps catching me...
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48
This passage was part of the scripture at church this weekend at Northshore Community Church in Chattanooga, TN. I love it, and it frustrates me.
I love it, because it really speaks of a new/better way to look at how I love people -- intentionally reaching beyond social norms of loving those who love me. This teaches me that I can and should love others boldly and without thought of their interactions towards me.
It frustrates me, because it reminds me of how poorly I love my enemies. My first response is to pay others evil with evil. Especially at the workplace, this can be the primary course of action whenever someone does me wrong. Simply put, that's not a reasonable way to live; I need to relinquish my "right" to not love others.
Some stuff to think about... and since I've been thinking about it, I thought I'd open up a venue for others to think about it, as well. :-)
This passage was part of the scripture at church this weekend at Northshore Community Church in Chattanooga, TN. I love it, and it frustrates me.
I love it, because it really speaks of a new/better way to look at how I love people -- intentionally reaching beyond social norms of loving those who love me. This teaches me that I can and should love others boldly and without thought of their interactions towards me.
It frustrates me, because it reminds me of how poorly I love my enemies. My first response is to pay others evil with evil. Especially at the workplace, this can be the primary course of action whenever someone does me wrong. Simply put, that's not a reasonable way to live; I need to relinquish my "right" to not love others.
Some stuff to think about... and since I've been thinking about it, I thought I'd open up a venue for others to think about it, as well. :-)
posted by em at 9/25/2006 09:28:00 PM
5 Comments:
That's a wonderful verse. Often quoted; rarely practiced (by any of us).
I agree with Jay- often quoted; rarely practiced. It's funny, because I teach my first grader this verse in helping him learn to deal with "bullies" and yet, I'm such a hypocrite. It's SO SO hard to do when you're a grown up. Wish I was a kid again and believed everything my parents told me.
It haunts me because I think. How poorly I love my friends. What is the hope of loving enemies. Love must be someone who comes to me if there is any hope.
Driving home yesterday from Montreat this lady almost ran into me. I even saw her check her mirror, look at me, and then proceed to pull into my lane causing me to break or be hit...me in my van with my three small kids. I was ticked and wished I had honked while I breaked. All that to say it put my mind to thinking. Would she have done that if we were in a line outside of our cars? Would I have the initial instinct to be so rude back if outside of a car? Then I thought how barriers sometimes give us a tendency to be unkind to others, and how removing them can help us to be more generously relational. Just thought I'd mention it...similar thoughts...
love you ;)
Hi EJ
I am so jealous!!! But then that is just me. You look like you are having a wonderful time in your many journeys of traveling this world. Have fun while you can. Take care
loveya
Auntie Kaye
kbinger@houston.rr.com
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