A Good Measure

Jesus said, “But 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.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:27-38

A Good Measure

Loving my enemies is terribly hard
they spit in my face and abuse me
demeaning what I do and who I am
keeping me sleepless at night.

My prayer in the deep darkness
is to be more loving, forgiving and generous
despite the torment heaped on me
not to return punch for punch.

Those hardest to forgive at times
are those who should know better
those who have been kindly served
are often those who will strike out again.

So there are always prayers even
when the trembling night anger wakes
and the hurt is deep and palatable
the Creator stands by to bless again.