Here is just a small sampling of what this guy said about living life in a way that celebrates peace, unity, and perhaps even joy. As you read them, try to picture these words in light of the news of the day. What images come to mind? What feelings stir within you?
LOVE your enemies. DO GOOD to those who hate you. BLESS those who curse you. PRAY for those who abuse you. If someone strikes you on the cheek, OFFER them the other. If anyone takes away your coat, DO NOT WITHHOLD even your shirt. GIVE to everyone who begs from you. If anyone takes away your goods, DO NOT ASK for them again. Do To OTHERS As YOU Would Have Them Do To You. | |
But those who can do those things listed above will be rewarded differently. "You will be rewarded greatly, you'll be children of the Most High who is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked."
Perhaps we ought to stop pretending to be mean grown ups and start being children who are loved and cared for. Therefore, this wise man said, "Be merciful just as your Father is merciful." In other words, stop trying to divide or segregate or conquer or turn people against each other but instead love, do good, bless, pray, offer, give, and receive the reward...peace, now and forever.
Maybe that might change the tone of the news, the politics, and the feelings we are having living in an age of uncertainty. And by the way...that guy, that left leaning teacher was Jesus, not Jesús.