Devotion • October 4
Today's Scripture
Luke 6:27–38
“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.” (NRSV)
Reflection
This rich passage from Luke quoting Jesus includes many familiar and intriguing quotes that are difficult to understand with the eyes and ears of our ego.
What does it mean to not only do to others what you would want them to do to you, but also turn the other cheek, give away your jacket, and love your enemies?
I find it helpful to look at this passage through the lens of Franciscan theology. Francis of Assisi speaks of falling into the abyss of loving, that well of unconditional love that is ever-expanding and liberating.
This kind of love asks for human beings to do the same. It can become a life pattern. It is adopting a way of being rather than specific acts that tend to trigger our human ego. This love is not about fairness or giving what the other person deserves. This kind of love is a response to being loved. It is a love that is born not from judgment or fear of not getting it “right.”
It comes from total abandonment into the field of love. It is a practice of receiving and then giving. It leads to the experience of recognizing that we will receive even more than we give, a good measure, pressed down and pouring over onto our laps and into our lives. It leads to a life of abundance due to receiving the love offered to us, which then we cannot help but pass on to others.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for offering us a lifetime to dwell in a field of love, where giving is also receiving and receiving leads us to giving. Help us to expand into this awareness so this world can be the kingdom of heaven you envision for all of creation. Amen.
Written by Susan Schemper, Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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