Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
As people of our living God we can love those who spitefully use us simply because He does. Love God and leave the judging to Him. Hate evil and seek the good of all that is the will of God. We love others and their families as much as we love ourselves and our own. Carla
Matthew 5:43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do g ood to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (NKJV)
To be a “son of” was to be like someone or something. That you may be sons of your Father in heaven means “that you may be like the Heavenly Father who displays His love without discrimination.”
This verse, which comes from Deuteronomy 18:13, refers to completeness. In the context of 5:43–48, it seems to mean that Jesus’ followers are to be as perfect as God in the ways that they love. God does not lower the standard to accommodate our sinfulness. He gives us the power to keep His righteous standard. The NKJV Study Bible
Just as God gives the good gifts of sun and rain to all people without distinction, members of the kingdom should act with love, kindness, and generosity toward all. Jesus’ followers should reflect God’s character.
Tax collectors were some of the most hated people in Israel, due to the nature of their work and their association with the Roman government. Tax collectors generally obtained their posts from Roman authorities through a bidding system. They often made sizeable profits by levying higher taxes than Rome required. Consequently, Jews regarded Jewish tax collectors as traitors and as members of the lowest level of society. The mention of tax collectors alongside non-Jewish people (verse 47) reflects not only their poor reputation, but also the scope of Jesus’ ministry to redeem all of humanity, including the outcasts of society. Matthew, the likely author of this Gospel, was a tax collector, and Jews viewed his inclusion among Jesus’ disciples as scandalous (9:9–13).
Gentiles in the Greek text refers to non-Jews—people who were not ethnically part of Israel.
Those who demonstrate love in the manner attributed to God the Father will become perfect—complete or mature. Faithlife Study Bible
Leviticus 19:18
You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
Acts 7:60
Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Leviticus 19:2
“Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy
Luke 6:27–28
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.
“This is the categorical imperative of the Christian Faith: You shall lovingly accept the humanity entrusted to you. You shall accept yourself.” Johannes Metz
You are able to give your self—your heart and your soul—when you lovingly accept the humanity entrusted to you.
What an invitation: the gift to be at home in my own skin.
Whole and undivided.
So, yes. And Amen.
So, yes. And Amen.
I’ve always been triggered by the societal estimation that our identity is defined solely by what we do. Meaning, how we make money.
We need to change the questions.
Instead of, “What do you do, or what did you accomplish and achieve?”
Ask this, “Where, and in what ways, does your heart come alive?”
Taking to heart Frederick Buechner’s reminder, “Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep need.” Sabbath Moments
Never Give Up
No matter what is going on
Never give up
Develop the heart
Too much energy in your country
Is spent developing the mind
Instead of the heart
Be compassionate
Not just to your friends
But to everyone
Be compassionate
Work for peace
In your heart and in the world
Work for peace
And I say again
Never give up
No matter what is going on around you
Never give up
Attribute to the Dalai Lama
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