Thursday, February 20, 2025  

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

Jesus begins this teaching with the words “But I say to you that listen.” But are we truly listening? And if so, what — or to whom — are we listening to in Luke 6?

Here, Jesus speaks the core message of his life and ministry. He teaches before a large crowd, including his followers. The Pharisees are also present — angry, watchful, seeking ways to judge and discredit him. Yet in the midst of this tension, one can sense the power and authority radiating from Jesus. People press in, longing to be healed, drawn not only to his miracles but to the life-changing truth he proclaims.

This is more than just teaching; this is the voice of God speaking through Jesus. And his words are startling. They challenge the old religious guard, disrupting traditions that have grown rigid and self-serving. But beyond that, his words ignite something new — a movement of nonviolent resistance and radical, compassionate love.

Jesus calls us to align with God’s perspective — to see as God sees. In doing so, we recognize that all are worthy of mercy. If we are truly listening, we will hear the call to love in a way that is radical — a love that gives freely, expecting nothing in return. This is love that does not depend on being seen, appreciated, or reciprocated. This is grown-up, divine love, flowing through us from our Mother/Father God into the world.

It was a radical message then. It remains a radical message now.

Prayer
Mother/Father God, thank you for sharing these truths so clearly and powerfully. May we listen with open hearts and minds. Give us courage to live lives of compassion in a way that emanates your love for all people into the world. Let this love fill our hearts and lives with a great sense of connection to you. May we give and forgive as it is given to us; “A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, pouring into our laps.” Amen.

Written by Susan Schemper, Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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