““To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.”
Luke 6:27-36 MSG
One of the best lessons I was taught growing up was this. Honestly, it really changes your perception about everything. This idea especially of giving without anything in return, is so fulfilling for me. As I get older I believe it more and more. Christmas is my favorite holidays because I get to give the people I love gifts that bring them joy. I love to randomly make things for people or find things that remind me of people and get it for them. I don’t think about getting anything in return other than the pure joy I get from seeing them happy and making them feel loved and appreciated.
Yes, I know I sound fake and pretentious but I am genuinely speaking from my heart and spirit. Honestly it took me a lot of time and work on myself to get to this point though. You have to feel good enough about yourself to know that you are okay and you will be okay even if you do good things for others, especially growing up in such an individualized society.
This brings me to other part of the scripture which is loving your enemies. This has been incredibly hard for me and I am still working on it. It was only a few years ago that I found how hard it is to truly forgive. I think one of the major things that has helped me with this very important commandment is the idea of loving the person while not loving the action that may have hurt others. I can look at my enemies and love the person and the soul that I know can be loved and embraced, but I disagree with the actions that they have taken. I believe everyone has the ability to be good, just like everyone has the ability to be bad. It is a choice and an action.
I am in no way finished or perfect in fulfilling this commandment, but I am intentional in working to be better. It keeps me motivated that I am doing the work that I am called to do and like the last devotion discussed, I have the strength and power of God.