In yesterday and today’s Scripture reading we have two great teaching passages on dealing with the sins of hatred.
·
Luke 6:27-36:
o
27: The basic command is to “love your enemies.” Of course, love is never to be merely in word
or tongue but in deed and truth (1 John 3:18).
Thus Jesus adds, do good to those who hate you.
o
28: To “bless” is to speak well of. The Greek term is eulogeo from which
we get “eulogy.” It’s what mom always said:
“If you can’t say something nice about your brother then don’t say anything at
all.” And note how Jesus describes the
enemy: those who spitefully use you.
Think about that.
o
29: Turn the other cheek. Don’t take revenge; don’t press your
rights.
o
30: Give to your enemy. There is no greater love than to lay down
your life for another, which is the ultimate in giving (Jn. 15:13).
o
31: This is Luke’s version of the “Golden Rule.”
o
35: Another thing. Loan him stuff that he needs, without
expecting it to be returned.
o 35-36:
In all this you will be God-like in a powerful way. God Himself is kind to evil men (He sends
rain on the just and the unjust, Mt. 5:45).
This is called “mercy.” It’s what
your Father has shown to you!!!
·
Romans 12:14-21:
o
14: Again, bless the enemy. Except here it’s those who persecute you.
You might want to cuss and swear; but the command is to pronounce a eulogy,
speak nicely to and about the person.
o
17: Your natural instinct will be to get even,
or ahead. Don’t repay evil for
evil. Instead, make room for “good
things” with all men, even your enemy.
o
18: Do whatever you can (without denying or
disobeying Christ) to live peaceably with your enemy.
o
19: Again, no revenge! That is God’s department. We are not smart enough to be the Judge of
all men.
o
20: Meet the needs of your enemy. Likely he acts the way he does against you
for some reason. Figure out what it is
and meet or help him meet his need.
o 21:
We become overcome by evil when that is the focus of our attention. We are to be overcomers. We overcome by faith (1 John 5:4). So have faith in Christ with your enemy and
ask Him to show you something good to think, to do, and to say to him/her.
This is powerful. And this is consistent. Jesus and Paul are in full agreement (of
course; Paul speaks for Jesus.) So put
on goodness and kindness and put off the sins of hatred.
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