One Minute Meditation | Fri, May 30

READ

But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

(Luke 6:27-28)

How do you treat someone who hates you, curses you, and abuses you? Our sinful human side might respond, “Attack him!” Jesus says, “Love him, do good to him, and bless him.” To do this, one must first put the other person’s best interest above his own. A few verses later, Jesus says, “As you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Wouldn’t it be refreshing if we treated others kindly when they stepped out of line? We’ve all had those days when we were tired, or frustrated, or confused, or burdened, and we responded to others with a hot attitude or a cold shoulder. Wouldn’t it be more helpful if we responded with a caring question about their apparent pain rather than respond with a harsh word that inspires greater conflict? Let’s be the compassionate people of God.

REFLECT

Are you more giving to inquire of others condition or respond in a harsh manner?

RESPOND

Prayer: Gracious Jesus, You have such compassion for me when I am hurting. Help me to have compassion on others when they find themselves dealing with the stresses of life. Make me one who is a help rather than a hurt. I pray this in Your kind name.  Amen.