Luke 6:27-31 (NRSV)
Read Luke 6:27-31 on biblegateway.com
Verse 27"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, Verse 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Verse 29If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Verse 30Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Verse 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Devotion
With many churches celebrating All Saints this Sunday, what makes you call someone a saint? What kind of characteristics do saints have? Are they selfless, gentle, patient? Are they able to follow the golden rule at least most of the time? We tend to lift up what people do as the reason they are saints. We commemorate the saints who start hospitals, spread the gospel to far-reaching places, feed the hungry, or care for orphans. These are all very good works. But the only reason we are saints is because we have set our hope on Christ. The only claim we have on the inheritance God has for us is the one who went to the cross where he could do nothing but offer the other cheek again and again.
Do not feel small in the presence of the "saintly" ones around you. The fullness of Christ is within you just as you are, dear, beloved saint!
Prayer
The standard is so high, God. I can't get there by myself. Thank you that Christ did what we could not. Help me lean into your grace and mold my life to reflect it to others. Amen.