One of the passages in the lectionary this week, Luke 6:27-38, won't make it into our worship this Sunday, but has been on my mind a lot this week. In Luke chapter 6, we find Jesus standing on a flat plain, surrounded by a crowd who had gathered hoping for a healing when Jesus begins to speak. He delivers what is known as the Sermon on the Plain, a slight variation on the Sermon on the Mount. The passage that is in the lectionary for this week is a hard pill to swallow of loving our enemies, doing good to those who hate you, and praying for those who mistreat you. There is no talk of revenge, getting the upper hand, or doing what it takes to get ahead. Jesus doesn't mince words as he directly calls those who follow him to not judge and to do good for our enemies.
In a world where it seems to survive, or thrive, we must be mean and fight against our enemies, Jesus actively tells us, his followers, to turn the other cheek. That is really hard. It goes against our natural instincts and it goes against so much that we know. But, we know that Christ calls us to life and life abundant (John 10:10), so maybe there is something to living out this mercy, forgiveness, love, and kindness.
We read the Luke 6:27-38 passage aloud earlier this week in our staff meeting, whole mentally holding the image of someone we don't like. If you have a few free minutes, I'd challenge you to do the same. It was uncomfortable at best to read these strong words of Jesus, knowing that we all have those we dislike. It's gauche to even admit that there are people we dislike. It's even harder to pray for good things for them or act for their good.
For me, it was a reminder of just how much our call as Christ followers is different from what is popular or easy. The challenge that I am leaning into this week, and pass along to you, is to remember the words of Christ and love your enemies, pray for those who you dislike, and maybe, by these small acts, we will see the face of God.