“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
– Luke 6:27–28
Some of the most difficult things in life can become the most wonderful. There is a special sense of accomplishment when you can mark a task or a journey complete. When you know that you did the work, sacrificed, and toiled for a purpose. Sometimes that purpose is simply getting out of bed in the morning. Sometimes that purpose is carrying out a life-long dream.
For years, I have worked with a wide variety of people. I encourage each of them to be honest. So now I ask you to be honest, too. How difficult is it to love someone who stands against all that you think is “right”? How do we “do good” to people who seek to harm, spread stories, or actively dislike us? And how impossible is it to “bless those who curse you” or “pray for those who mistreat you”? It seems that Jesus is asking us to perform miracles! But I believe that miracles are possible through Jesus Christ.
When I sit with those that who are hurting, I encourage them to do the hard work. For many people it is the above concept of loving our enemies. Or it’s close cousin – forgiveness. Jesus knew that we would need reassurance from Scripture even over 2000 years after they were shared because as humans, we tend to be stubborn. It is easier to cut people out of our lives rather than come to the table with curiosity, compassion, and empathy.
I recently shared a story about a past encounter with someone who decided to yell at me in public because I made a statement about loving enemies. He was very upset. I interrupted him mid-tirade to ask him if I could give him a hug because I felt the pain that lived underneath his words. A still small voice told me that it was not me that had angered him, but some deeper cause. My bravery in asking for a hug was rewarded with shock, then curiosity as to why I would want to offer a hug to an angry stranger…..
I looked him in the eye and smiled. He realized that I wasn’t mocking him but genuinely wanting to hug him. He finally surrendered. We hugged and I asked him if we could sit, and he could tell me about his hurt. He did. We parted with another hug and a handshake. I never saw him again, but when I think of the encounter, I thank God for the ways in which we are called to see the hurt in others rather than add fuel to the flames. To pray for each other and to love one another as we love God.
When we can be compassionate, we show love. That kindness can make a difference in the world. Be a light, my friends.
Blessings,
Pastor Amber
Missed last week’s message? → Trusting God in Life’s Storms – September 15, 2025
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