Love Your Enemies

Jesus said, "I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse 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 begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."  Luke 6:27-36

Love Your Enemies

I met you once as a child Dr. King
a gathering of clergy families at the manse
we weren't marching anywhere that night
just laughing, praying and feasting together.

You who would let freedom ring
held one child and playfully chased another
little children together so different so the same
all beloved in the eyes of God.

You who had a dream could see
with the eyes of God, how loved we are
how treasured we were as children to a father
a father who sees not color but the heart.

You who left us way too soon
still sing full voiced lift every voice and sing
lift each footstep down each aisle urban street
we move together towards the loving arms of God.

May we walk today in your long shadow
the shadow that reveals the love of God in each
the shadow that will not recoil from the peaceful fight
until all the world can gather by the living stream.