… bless those who curse you, pray for the ones who mistreat you. Luke 6:28, TLV

Bless Those Who Curse You.  Ever been cut off by another vehicle? Was our first thought, “God bless you!”? Depending upon the circumstances, probably not. How about being flipped-off because we got in someone’s way? Those are pretty emotional moments. And because emotional moments tend to be, well, emotional, we can respond in kind — or not so kind.

“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you …” (vs. 27, TLV)

This pericope (section) of text is sometimes referred to the “sermon on the plain” (vs. 17). Scholars differ as to whether this was the same “sermon on the mount” referred to in Matthew (chapters 5-7), but most believe Yeshua gave His message to different groups in different places. Thereby tailoring the message to the audience. What I love about vs. 27, is the “But I say to you who are listening …”

Are we listening?

When we encounter those emotional moments, or a recurring offense, we can either listen to our emotional or self-righteous response, or listen to what Jesus instructed and modeled.

If you’re like me, the first response is surprise or hurt or anger, but I think that’s okay. It’s where we finally land in our response that is important, and that is to love, do good, bless, and pray. When I land in this holy place, it can feel strange. However, once I get used to being there and remember I was once the enemy when our Father did good for me by sending His Son, I know it’s the right place to be. The only place to be.

So whether the Holy Spirit reminds us on our mountain tops or our plains, He will guide us to the place of love, goodness, blessing, and prayer. If we listen.

Shabbat shalom!