“But I say to you that hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.” –Luke 6:27-31
I admit that I enjoy being kind. When I am able to give to someone in need or perform a kind deed that blesses another person it makes me feel good. In the same breath that I confess my joy in performing good deeds for other, I must also admit that I find it hard to be kind to people who have not been kind to me.
When I read this teaching of Jesus, from the Gospel of Luke, I could not help but be reminded of the life of Jesus and how he performed miracles, ate with sinners, including a disciple he knew would betray him and how he was willing to have a conversation with anybody. Jesus respected each person he came into contact with. He treated each person with dignity.
Luke reminds me that kindness and love are not just for those people that I like and enjoy being around. Jesus reminds us that our calling is to be kind, to love one another…all people. We are to love and be kind to those who so often seem unlovable, unapproachable, even our enemies. Love is an intentional act, based on God’s love for us, and our desire to share that love with the world.
Our love for others and our acts of kindness are not based on the other person who is receiving our love and kindness, but is instead motivated by the love of God in our own hearts. Being kind to our enemies is no easy task, but God’s gift of love and kindness is truly for the whole world. When we share with those whom we disagree with, even those who seem to be our enemies, we can truly be a blessing to the whole world.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
