Mercy

Luke 6:27-31 ESV
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.  To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.  …And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

Many will not agree with this passage because we have a natural defense mechanism to protect ourselves from getting hurt. so let me offer this explanation; Jesus came to this earth to be abused in words, actions, and open rebukes. He was called a Prince of demons. He was lied about, betrayed, and neglected. 

When He needed His friends the most, they were nowhere to be found. He was rejected by His own family, rejected by the very ones He healed, rejected by His home town,  rejected by His own race.  He was beaten beyond recognition, crucified unmercifully and then, as only He can, He forgave His abusers and told His Father to have mercy on them.

He gave mercy, to those who did not deserve mercy because that’s what He does and that is who He is. Jesus is asking for us to not look like everyone else in the world, He is asking us to look like Him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me of my arrogance. I call myself by Your name (Christian). I live with the idea that I am Your Father’s son as well, but I can barely muster up enough of Your character in the way I deal with my own abuses. Forgive me Lord, and help me to look more like You, Amen!