Are We Listening?

Friends,

We are caught in a destructive cycle in our country. Hate is birthing more hate. Violence is birthing more violence. Even in the way we talk about hatred and violence, we can bring more of the same. We can show favoritism to one side or another by only defending one.

Today we are hearing lots of condemnation, lots of anger, lots of threats, lots of hatred. What is our responsibility in this? After another senseless political execution (Melissa Hortman and her husband in Minnesota a few months ago, Charlie Kirk yesterday, on different political sides, but both assassinated for their views), what are we to do?

As Christians we are called to much higher standards. The words of our Lord Jesus Christ from Luke 6:27-31:

“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. 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. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Christ calls us to turn the other cheek. We are not to do more of the same; we are to put a wrench in the cycle. We are to hold back from participating in the endless cycle of anger and violence and choose another path.

Scripture shows the way:

LOVE.

               Do good.

                              Bless all.

                                             Pray. Pray again.

                                                            Give selflessly.

                                                                           Expect no repayment.

               Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Jesus doesn’t say to treat others as they are treating you, but to treat others as you want to be treated.

The Christian witness is to be different from all of those around us. The Christian witness is to be like Jesus in a world where everyone is doing what they think is right. The Christian witness is NOT the popular or vengeful approach. Let me repeat:

LOVE.

               Do good.

                              Bless all.

                                             Pray. Pray again.

                                                            Give selflessly.

                                                                           Expect no repayment.

               Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Lastly, Jesus says these are words for those who are listening. Are we?