CORNERED

CORNERED

READ:
Luke 6:27-36

Pray for those who spitefully
use you.  -Luke 6:28

One Sunday morning, D.L. Moody entered a house in Chicago to escort some children to Sunday school.  During his visit, three men backed him into a corner and threatened him.  "Look here," Moody said, "Give a fellow a chance to say his prayers, won't you?"  The men actually allowed him to call out to God, and Moody prayed for them so earnestly that they left the room.

Had I been in Moody's situation, I might have called for help or looked for the back door.  I'm not sure I would have acted on Jesus' command to His followers:  "Pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:28 NIV).

Praying for the people who treat us with contempt is one way to "do good to those who hate [us]" (v.27).  Jesus explained that Christians get no credit for swapping acts of kindness with other "nice " people.  He said, "Even sinners do the same" (v.33).  However, blessing our persecutors (Romans 12:14) sets us apart from them and aligns us with the Most High, because God is kind even to wicked people (Luke 6:35).

Today, if you feel "cornered" by someone, seek safety if the situation calls for it, and follow Jesus' teaching:  Pray for that person (Luke 23:34).  Prayer is your best defense. -Jennifer Benson Schuldt

We  want to know Your heart, Lord, and have Your
wisdom to know how to handle opposition.
Give us patience to show kindness,
Guide us, we pray.
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Returning good for good is human;
returning good for evil is divine.

INSIGHT
The teaching here is similar to that found in the sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-48).  Some scholars say the teachings in Matthew and Luke are the same event; others conclude they are different events.  In these passages, Jesus taught His disciples what it meant to be "sons of the Most High" (Luke 6:35; see also Matthew 5:45).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always.
Unity & Peace