Marriage and Family Meditations XIX
Psalms 104:34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the LORD.
Cornerstone Ministries Napa Valley
Married Life Built on the Rock II
Love your Enemies
Hi Family, and Friends,
In the last Marriage Meditation, we looked at the teachings of Jesus from “the Beatitudes” in Luke 6. There we were reminded that to establish our lives on a solid foundation that will not be shaken, we need to “dig deep” into the challenging teachings of Jesus. “Digging deep to find solid rock” is a metaphor for hearing and understanding and following the teachings of Jesus.
In the meditations for the coming weeks I wanted to look closely at some of the challenging teachings that we read in these passages.
Luke 6: 27 -36 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Often in counseling with married couples who are experiencing relationship problems in their marriage, it seems that rather than being “One Flesh” as God intends for us, many have come to such disunity and contention that they see each other almost as enemies, or at the very least as opponents.
In this instruction from Luke’s gospel Jesus teaches us a truth that can guide us in responding to those who oppose us. Sometimes in our relationships at home discord, misunderstanding, personal preferences, jealousy, pride, and stubbornness, and such can lead us into contention, and strife which manifest in behavior that is disrespectful, unloving, and even hateful. If we are close to the Lord and believing in and trusting in His words of life we can and should respond according to what he has said here in Luke 6 and also in Mathew 5:38 – 48. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”
This instruction is not for wimpy Christians soft on milk feed diets, but for strong, faithful, followers of Jesus who love Him and are responding in obedient discipleship.
Notice that Jesus instruction is “to you who hear.” It is only in the context of a loving and obedient relationship with the Lord Jesus that we can find the willingness and strength to follow such radical and challenging teaching.
This is not the way of man, but this is God’s way for the godly.
May our merciful and loving God awaken us and make us merciful and loving people, to use us as peacemakers and godly witnesses in our homes, to the praise of His glory.
Let me hear from you I cherish your critique or questions. Love in Jesus Vince