Matthew 5:38-48 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 5:38-48 on biblegateway.com
Verse 38"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' Verse 39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; Verse 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; Verse 41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Verse 42Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
Verse 43"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' Verse 44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Verse 45so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. Verse 46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? Verse 47And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Verse 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Devotion
In one junior high school auditorium, the student body was treated to a program titled, "Upside down and backwards." This gifted entertainer was able to write anything you asked, just as you guessed, upside down and backwards.
That must have been what those listening to Jesus' teachings must have thought. Rather than just turning letters and words upside down and backwards, he was turning well-established modes of behavior on their tail. Love your neighbor while you hate your enemy? Not at all, turn that upside down. Why not try loving your enemy? See how that changes your perspective of life? Is there some one who needs your forgiveness today? Why not free that one from the guilt, and free yourself from holding the grudge?
Prayer
Compassionate Lord, just as you forgive me, I ask this day that I might be willing to forgive those who have hurt me. Forgive us our sins and we forgive those who sin against us. Amen