This morning’s verse is:
Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.
Luke 6:28 NLT
As I read it and considered how I might share this in common (non-religious) wording, I started looking for synonyms of the words like “bless”, “curse” and “pray” since those have clearly religious connotations within normal, everyday conversation.
But it dawned on me that the best way to teach is not to just say something, but it is to demonstrate it. Just like yesterday’s verse taught us that our behavior demonstrates what we truly believe, I realized that to share today’s precept, I simply needed to demonstrate obedience myself.
Thank you to everyone who has opposed me, talked about me behind my back, made fun of me, put obstacles in my way, treated me unfairly, hurt me, or abused me in my life.
Harold “Hop” Ballinger
You have made me stronger. You have helped me learn and practice patience, forgiveness, kindness, gratitude, love, hope, faith and self- control.
These gifts are some of the most precious and valuable, because they fill my life with joy even when my circumstances don’t look happy.
Thank you. I hope that God blesses you and rewards you — whether you thought it was for my gain or for my loss.
Are we willing to obey this precept, not just in a single social media post in order to signal our virtue — but in our walk today when we encounter opposition?
Lord, open our eyes to see how your victory is revealed. Help us to usher your Kingdom into the world one surrender at a time. Thank you for the beautiful way that your light overcomes darkness every time. Amen.
Harold J. Ballinger 