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
Love Your Enemies
O Creator of love beyond measure
whose heart is mercy, hands are healing
who over and over forgives us all
and who calls us to refrain from judgement.
We live is a time of great divisions
civil unrest due to racism and abuse
it seems that all are taking sides
creating enemies at every turn.
We need a good measure pressed down
love and mercy overflowing everywhere
a sweetness and kindness only you can give
poured out love abundantly on all of us.
Make us vessels of love in this chaos
forgiving and freely giving our best
strong enough to be humble and merciful
so that your love transforms us into friends. Amen
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