May 27 Loving Others…Despite Their Actions Luke 6:27-32
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” (Luke 6:27-32)
A few months ago, I was “unfriended” on Facebook, by an individual that justified their move by stating that I was “racist,” and promoting “white privilege.” Initially, I was a bit challenged by the accusation, however, after some soul searching and intense prayer, I realized that, just because someone has an opinion and feels willing to share that opinion, does not make it true. I realized that the Message of Jesus is the offending factor. You see, truth is an obstacle to the Lies of Satan. As I reflect on the experiences of my past and the insane actions of the present, I am amazed at the actions and attitudes of those who choose to be used by Satan to promote untruths. In an attempt to be “culturally relevant,” individuals are placing common sense in the trash bin and adopting an attitude of acceptance of anything that embraces the current attitude and thought processes that validate their twisted narrative. Folks, we are living in some amazingly difficult times…who would have thought that, as a society, we would honor and praise individuals, who lived lives that were contrary to the “rule of law,” and elevate them to a position of honor, all because of the way that they died? In the inner cities of our nation, young people are dying, at the hands of their own neighbors, every single weekend, and, yet, their lives don’t seem to matter. Well, they do matter! They matter to God! The distorted and twisted standards of behavior, that seems to be the rule, versus the exception, are causing an entire generation to be lost. Regardless of what I am accused of being, and regardless of the perception of what motivates my life, I will continue to promote the Love of Jesus and His Message of Hope and Inclusion! Disagree with me, if you like, however, I will love you and will pray for you and I am committed to being a True Witness for Christ, regardless of your actions and reactions towards me. The answer to the evil that exists is simple… “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him, who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” Remember, you are guided and controlled by a force that is GREATER than this Evil and Twisted World! Please continue to serve God, in the beauty and the power of His Love, and be that “Bright Light” and the Example of Truth, regardless of the attitude of the world or the folks in it! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!!!!!!!!!