I never write about politics, nor do I ever preach about politics. But I grieve the lack of leadership among our public leaders in Washington and locally, as well as with our world leaders. There is so much hatred and animosity among our leaders today, and an unwillingness to work together. When I studied Christian ethics years ago I remember the concept of working together for the common good. There is a very powerful teaching of Jesus that is recorded in Luke’s Gospel that is largely ignored today, and yet it remains such a strong, uniquely Christian hallmark. Take a look at it:
Jesus said: 27 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; 28 bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for He Himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” Luke 6:27-36.
If I may paraphrase the last two verses, how different our world would be.
Love your enemies and those with whom you disagree. And every day do good. In everything you do, be good to everyone in your life. In every conversation, be good about what you say about others. Lend to others who need your generosity and love. Lend them money, lend them your time and skills. Lend them your ears that listen and your heart that loves them. Give them your unconditional love. Expect nothing in return. Just be good and do good in your life each day. Give God all the credit. This is what it means to be a Christian and a child of God. Be kind to those who are ungrateful and be kind to the wicked among you. Above all be merciful to everyone. Forgive everyone because that is what God, Our father in Heaven, does.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” Ephesians 4:32.
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” Luke 6:31.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” Ephesians 4:29-32.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” John 15:12.
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother’” 1 John 4:20-21.
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor”
Romans 12:10.
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