Luke 6:27-38
‘But I say to you that listen, Love your
enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for
those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also;
and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give
to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask
for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to 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. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is
that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love
your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will
be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the
ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
‘Do
not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be
condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to
you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put
into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’
Reflection
How do I love those whom I don’t like?
How do I judge those who hold different
views from me?