Luke 6:27-37
“Listen, all of you. Love your
enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those
who curse you; implore God’s blessing on those who hurt you.
“If
someone slaps you on one cheek, let him slap the other too! If someone
demands your coat, give him your shirt besides. Give what you have to
anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you,
don’t worry about getting them back. Treat others as you want them to
treat you.
“Do you think you deserve credit for merely loving
those who love you? Even the godless do that! And if you do good only to
those who do you good—is that so wonderful? Even sinners do that much!
And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, what good is
that? Even the most wicked will lend to their own kind for full return!
“Love
your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don’t be concerned
about the fact that they won’t repay. Then your reward from heaven will
be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God: for he is
kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked.
“Try to show as much compassion as your Father does.
“Never criticize or condemn—or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Today marks another
milestone for Greg and me. We have officially been married for FORTY
YEARS! I know! We can’t believe it, either! We are both far too young
to have been married so long (wink, wink!) How have we done it? Any
solid, lasting relationship takes energy and effort...and a good dose of
grace and mercy (God’s and ours toward each other) - and we’ve had
both!
As I read this passage today and thought about our lives
together, I noted how this passage has served us well as something of a
road map for success in our relationship. Let me start right away by
saying that I don’t think either of us has considered the other an
“enemy” (at least never for more than a couple of minutes)! But there
is some good “meat” here for all of us – in all kinds of relationships.
So let’s roll up our sleeves and get right to it!
In the course
of 40 years or more together – as friends, partners, or even business
associates and family members - feelings will be hurt. Things will be
said and done that shouldn’t be. Grace, mercy, forgiveness...and plenty
of prayer for the other guy truly can make a difference!
“Treat
others as you want them to treat you” has somewhat become our “mantra”.
We don’t play games...we don’t keep score...we share everything from
general information (no secrets!) to personal victories and
disappointments to our “stuff”. We don’t compete or try to keep up with
each other in acquisitions of any sort. We’ve never done the “he got a
boat, so I get a diamond” thing – or even “she gets to do such fun
things at work and I’m stuck in this crummy job”.
We genuinely
enjoy each other’s company, support each other in all things, and share
our joys, sorrows, and so much more. We have each other’s back! And we
show each other genuine respect and care...even on the rare day when we
don’t much feel like it. We choose our words carefully and try very
hard not to say something that will be considered criticism or
condemnation.
My mother always says that “Love is an action, not a
feeling.” While I “feel” madly in love with Greg – even more so with
every day that passes - I also love him for the many “actions” he
performs to demonstrate his care and devotion. I love how he
thoughtfully and carefully manages our home, yard, and business
affairs. I love how he has embraced my family...especially Timothy,
Zola and Nathan. How many grown men do you know who will wear a Burger
King® crown through Sunday lunch in a restaurant filled with
customers...and act like it’s the most normal thing in the world? And I
love how he loves and cares for his own family...especially his
mother. I know that he prays over each one of our family members and
truly trusts God for their care...and that means the world to me.
Greg
has stood by me during the illnesses and deaths of countless
relatives...particularly my brother, dad, and my Mam-ma Polly. He sat
silently with me for hours and days at their bedsides...he filled in the
gaps when I had to be away for doctor visits, hospital stays and
more...and he held me gently when I cried and grieved – and truly made
me feel like everything would be okay. He always assures me that there
is nothing we cannot face together. And when I start to doubt – myself
or my circumstances – he reminds me of my faith and helps me find my
footing once again! In short, he puts up with me...and I love him for
that!
I could write 40 pages, but it would all add up to
this...I know that God chose us for each other. I know that He has
orchestrated many events of our lives that have all led us to this day.
I know that we both understand how vital His role was in our getting
here in one piece! And we both know that regardless of how many more
years we have together on this earth, this is not the end for us! In
large part, I believe that is because we have trusted God’s word and
will for our lives...and we’ve remembered to treat each other as we wish
to be treated. Liberal applications of grace and mercy haven’t hurt,
either!
Whatever relationships you find yourself in
today...marriage, friendships, family bonds, acquaintances, church
“families” and more...study God’s words in Luke 6. Learn to operate
with grace, mercy, and compassion for others...avoid criticism,
condemnation, gossip, and unkindness. Truly strive to treat others as
you wish to be treated. We give God all the glory for what He has done
in and through us...and we are excited about what lies ahead.
Who
is in charge of your future? Do you “go easy on others” in your daily
living? How you answer makes all the difference in the success of your
relationships, your discipleship, and your daily living. Exercising
God’s compassion, grace and mercy works...and we’re living proof! Are
you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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