Did He really say that?

Our society teaches us how to hold our own in this rough and tumble world that we live in, how to look out for “Number 1”. Sure, it allows room for charity… but it usually in the context of if it benefits us first, or give, but give out of our excess not out of what we need… But what did Jesus say… or what did He mean when He said:
Love your enemies.
Do Good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you.
Pray for those who mistreat you.
Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also.
Whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.
Give to everyone who asks of you.
Whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.

The sentences above are directly out of the NAS Luke 6:27-30…

Did He really mean it when he said that???

Give to everyone who asks, and do not expect repayment… Did you really mean Everyone Jesus??? and I don’t get my money back?...

If someone takes away what is yours, let them keep it… They took my (…..) and I am supposed to let them keep it.

I am supposed to Bless those who curse me… Love those who hate me, and do good for them on top of loving them….

The world view responds to this type of thought process with… Jesus, are you sure you weren’t changing your drinking water to wine and hitting it a little hard when you said that? You must be off your rocker???

I especially like the way the message says this particular passage.

Luke 6:27-38 "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, gift wrap 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.
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."

The world that we live in has become downright mean! The attributes in this passage that Jesus is telling us to display are virtually non-existent in our society… even in our churches. With the economic melt down and companies scaling back, very few have excess, fewer have what they need… and most of us know someone in need!

I struggle with most of what He has said here as much as anyone else does… but I want to throw a challenge out. This week let’s try and show the world what Jesus means to those we know or meet by modeling this passage in our life. Next week is the election, and there will be many gathered in tight quarters who have vastly different world views… is there a way we can show Jesus to those at the polls this week… or how about at work with the guy or gal you can’t stand… or the crabby old neighbor down the street… or… you insert the "or", but let us find the worst case scenario in our own lives to model this with… and let’s see if we can make a difference in that persons life… it might just change your world!