Teaching About Enemies and Judgment

This meditation is based on a passage for October 2, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 6:27-38

Reflection and Question: Jesus could not be clearer: “Love your enemies and judge not.” “Forgive.” “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” History has proven how easy it is for us to forget these repeated and basic teachings of Jesus. When we slip into judgment and plotting against our enemies, let’s remind ourselves again of Jesus’ plain words, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” If only the church followed this teaching in connection with God’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children! May we stop judging now. In what area of your life do you need to be reminded to love your enemies?

Prayer: Blessed Jesus, we may not think of ourselves as having “enemies” and yet we do have those who rub us the wrong way and those with whom we disagree. Help us forgive, show mercy, be generous, today. Amen.