Love through Prayer & Action
OPENING PRAYER:
Spirit, move in us today.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as all. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Matthew 5:38-48
REFLECT:
Jesus was not only our example in forgiveness, but in prayer and action. During his earthly life, he prayed constantly for those who persecuted him and took action on behalf of those that society would tell him to shun.
In the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, we see Jesus share yet another story of what it looks like to love our neighbors, whether they are easy to love or not. The expert in the law in this exchange wanted validation from Jesus that people he did not approve of were not his neighbors. Jesus proved him wrong and drove home his command to love each other well, especially when it is a sacrifice. We see through the actions of the Samaritan, someone who would have been shunned and left for dead if the tables had been turned, that his gracious actions are an act of genuine love.
APPLY:
As we consider the life of Jesus, along with the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we should be reminded of our own tendency to give into our bias and human nature. Let us look to Jesus and his examples of how to love each other well, no matter our differences or disagreements. Let us look to see God in all of his Creation and not just the people who are easy for us to love.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Holy Spirit, guide me to love ALL of my neighbors, not just the ones that make it easy. Help me look for ways to extend grace and compassion to others and to pray on their behalf. Fuel my obedience to this calling that Jesus placed on all of our lives.