Exchange - Part 1

Luke 6: 27, 28 (NRSV)

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.

Three times this week, I have been convicted of a seemingly unfair exchange God asks of us:

RETURN GOOD FOR EVIL

(First, while I was journaling and speaking with God about my past hurts, second, in a radio program from Revive Our Hearts https://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/seeking-him/feeling-like-ive-forgiven/; and finally, on Sunday Morning during our worship service)

I take repeats seriously…when God tells me things in three different ways, on three different days…I take note and seek Him for what He truly wants me to learn and how to grow In Him.

This conviction and these commands, especially in this translation of the bible, struck me like a slap in the face. This translation uses the word “abuse” to describe the last part. Other translations use the words: mistreat you (NIV), spitefully use you (NKJV) and hurt you (NLT). It immediately made me consider my heart toward those who have abused me in the past and what my reaction can be. This verse outlines a progressive plan for counter-culture living with others and living out forgiveness.

1. For your enemy – be loving toward them.
2. For those who hate you (whether in action, word or thought) – do a good act toward them.
3. For those who curse you - bless them in a verbal, tangible way.
4. For those who have abused/mistreated you - pray for them.

I'm going to talk this plan out in two separate posts because it is lengthy. I will discuss points 1. and 2. this time and then 3. and 4. next week.

Here are some thoughts I have regarding the breakdown of this verse:

1. If you consider someone your enemy, you hate them. Hate is a feeling that can be revealed in action, word or thought.
2. If someone hates you, again, it's a feeling but can be expressed in their words, thoughts or actions. They do or think hateful things toward you to hurt your spirit. Some people hate you and you do not even know it.

Some ways to live this verse out everyday:

1. Be loving to those who you hate. Love is a verb...it demands actions to truly be revealed. I'm sure you've heard the saying, "actions speak louder than words." You can choose to love even if you do not feel it. You might disagree with me, but God has shown over and over how Love can be given when it is not deserved or felt. (Romans 5:8, NIV - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.) Would you die for your enemy? What about help them when they are in need?
2. Do good acts of service toward those who hate you. Seek their good, bring them a meal if they are sick or ill, shovel their walk after a storm and/or help when you see them in trouble. When you have a chance, do good for them and their family. (Luke 10:25-37, NIV - in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus illustrated a point that to "love your neighbor as your self" means to love those who are hateful and against you. The Jews and Samaritan people despised one another, yet, in this parable, a Samaritan man was the only one who showed love toward a hurt Jewish man. He went out of his way to care for and provide for him while he recovered from an attack).

This is a lot to live up to, and I think enough to chew on for the week. I know I will be mulling this over for awhile. We can only act and speak this way because of a loving God who teaches and empowers us, by His example and Holy Spirit, how to truly love others. I will be praying for your interactions and reactions this week.

May God bless you and give you the words and strength to bring healing and restoration to you and your enemies.

Matthew 5:46-48 (NLT) If you love those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.