We sing things like “I surrender” or “laying down my life” or “whatever it takes” but then at the first whiff of being wronged we’re so quick to defend everything that’s ours. Or maybe that’s just me!
In Luke 6, Jesus shares some more words that leave us scratching heads, “Does He mean that?” And, if He does — how does this translate to the situations I face in daily life. Jesus says,
“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
Give to everyone who begs? Wait, what? So I’m supposed to hand out cash to every panhandler on the offramp? And what’s the point of lending if we’re expecting nothing in return? Isn’t that just giving?
While I don’t think there easy answers to these questions, I love that Jesus’ words are loud and clear, and He’s letting us know in no uncertain terms: To follow Jesus means a willingness to get ripped off.
But … as verse 35 so clearly states: It’ll be worth it.
Join me for Episode 27 as we wrestle through these words from Luke 6 and learn a bit ore of what it looks like to follow Jesus and be sons of the Most High. Also we’ll discuss how to navigate the complexity of Second Mile living when your spouse isn’t onboard. Thanks for listening!
About the Kari Patterson Podcast: We need wisdom, y’all. Like, yesterday. Right?! We need God’s perspective. We need His heart. We need joy, resilience, clarity, and conviction. Feeling this need, author Kari Patterson opens Scripture and shares candidly how God’s Word informs her daily life. Appropriate for all ages, relatable and refreshing, join Kari for conversations on responding to unkindness, emotional freedom, parenting dilemmas, self-pity, forgiveness, and more. (Available most of the places you enjoy podcasts, including those with links above.)