The SKV

What the Bad Guys Deserve from Us-- Luke 6

And he, lifting his eyes to his disciples, said, "Blessed are the poor, because yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are those who hunger now because you will be satisfied. Blessed are those who weep now because you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you and separate from you and insult and cast down your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap, for behold your reward is much in heaven. For in the same way their fathers treated the prophets. However, Woe to you who are rich because you receive your comfort. Woe to you who are satisfied now because you will hunger. Woe to those who laugh now because you will morn and weep. Woe when all men speak well of you for in the same way their fathers spoke to the false prophets.



Ah, the poor—you lucky dogs! Because you are the owners of God’s kingdom.
How lucky are those who are presently hungry—because God will make you completely content.
How lucky are those who weep in this life—because God will make you laugh.
How lucky are you, my disciples, when people hate you. You are fortunate when they won’t have anything to do with you, when they call you names and tear down your reputation. When that happens—have a party! Jump for joy! Because you are lined up with great things from God. Because, you see, this is the way their type have always treated God’s prophets.
But you well off—I’m so sorry. You are getting all the good life you will ever get.
It’s so sad about you who eat well now, because God will make sure you will be hungry.
It’s so sad about you who are well entertained now, because God will make sure that you weep and grieve.
And you who have excellent reputations with everyone? Grieve, for that is how their type treated the false prophets.

But to you I say-- who are listening-- Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. speak well to those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever strikes you on the cheek, present also the other. And from he who takes your coat also do not forbid your shirt also. Give to everyone who requires of you and from him who takes what is yours, do not demand in return. And just as you want in order they should do to you, the man do to them likewise. And if you love those who love you, what grace is that to you? For even the sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what grace is that to you? For even the sinners do the same. And if you lend to those whom you expect to receive, what grace is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same. Rather love your enemies and do good and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your wages will be great and you will be sons of the most High because He is merciful to the ungrateful and wicked. Be compassionate as the Father is compassionate. And do not judge and you will not be judged. And do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Set free and you will be set free. Give and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over they will give you into your bosom. For by the measure you measure it will be measured to you.

So if there’s anyone listening, let me say this to you: Have compassion on the bad guys of your life. Be nice to the mean ones. Answer well those who cuss you out. Pray blessings on those who insult and abuse you. If a cop pushes you, give him the opportunity to beat you up. If a creditor steals money from you, offer him the rest of your account. If the government demands something from you, give it freely. And if a cop steals what is yours, don’t demand it back. In whatever good way you want people to treat you, treat them that way, no matter how badly treat you.

Look, if you only feel good about those who feel good about you, do you think God will bless you for that? Everyone, no matter how bad they are, love those who love them. If you do good things only to those who do good to you, do you think God will bless you for that? Everyone, no matter how evil, does the same. If you loan out money only to people who will pay you back, do you think God will bless you for that? Evil people loan out money for a return, plus interest.

You can do better than that. Love the people you find most unlovable. Act with compassion toward them and lend them money—yes, I know you won’t get the money back. Just do it, knowing that you won’t get anything back for it, not even a thanks. But you will get more back than you would ever expect, but that from God. If you do this, you will be acting like God, the Lord of the Universe—because He, too, does compassionate acts for those who never thank Him and who do the very worst acts on earth. So be compassionate to the same extent God is.

Don’t condemn others and you won’t be condemned by God. Don’t punish for punishment’s sake and you won’t be punished by God, either. If you release someone from a grudge, God will release you. Give freely to those in need—no matter who they are—and God will give freely to you. It’s kinda like a keg party. Take, let’s say a third of keg of beer and give it to your friends. They will take it, shake it up until it fills the keg and then pour it all over you—much more than you gave them! Even so, the amount of compassion you give to those who don’t deserve it will be poured right back on you!

posted by Steve Kimes @ 7:18 PM