August 19, 2017

Bless those who Curse You

“…bless those who curse you…” Lk. 6:28

In Luke’s gospel, Jesus looks at the disciples and shares with the Beatitudes, followed by woes.  He then lays down the challenge in verses 27-31:

·         Love your enemies

·         Do good to the haters

·         Bless the ones who curse you

·         Pray for the people who have mistreated you

·         Turn the other cheek

·         Let someone have your coat

·         Give things away

·         Treat others as you want to be treated

There it is in plain language for us, just as it was for the disciples.  Followers of Jesus are called to be a blessing people.  We are not called to be a cursing people.  Every time we bless those who have mistreated us, or in this case, cursed us, we are unleashing the Kingdom of God.  God’s reign and rule of peace and joy and hope and victory assault the place of cursing – and overturn it.  You see friends; our blessing will outweigh the cursing.  That is good news.

It is worth noting that Jesus experienced all this.  Return to that scene with Jesus on the cross and consider again what He did.  He loved His enemies.  He did good for those who hated Him, by asking God to forgive them.  He blessed those who cursed Him.  He prayed for the ones who beat Him, accused Him, and taunted Him.

As He was struck, He turned the other cheek and did not retaliate in any way.  They took His garments.  All that belonged to Jesus was taken away from Him.  He did not demand it back.

What is our response?