Today’s scripture: Luke 6:32-36 (ESV-text and audio) (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Rev. Tammy Mills):
I remember the first time I heard the phrase, Simple doesn’t mean easy. I was sitting in a room full of (what seemed to me, at the time) old women listening to them go on and on about alcoholism and its effects. (Thinking about it now I realize those women were about the age I am now!)
They told each newcomer that not drinking was as simple as “Don’t drink, read the big book, and go to meetings!” Each newcomer soon found out the old timers were right — the answer to not drinking was just that simple. The other thing they soon found out was that doing that simple thing was incredibly difficult!
Sometimes the most profound and meaningful things are the simplest, but not the easiest! Loving folks sounds easy. Loving those who love us is a piece of Cheesecake Factory key lime cheese cake. Loving those who don’t love us — loving our enemies — is a much more difficult proposition!
How did Jesus manage to love those who didn’t love him? He hung out with close friends who encouraged his soul (most of the time). He always took time to step away and get centered and to connect with with his Higher Power (notice how often the Gospels say that Jesus went off by himself to pray). And He loved himself.
Thought for the day: How am I doing at loving others — even those who don’t love me?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.