Daily Devotions

I recently read of a technique for dealing with conflict of a personal nature. The writer suggested:-

“Try this little exercise: Imagine a relationship with someone you care about but with whom you disagree. Make a fist with your left hand. Imagine that you are holding on to your deeply held convictions in that hand. Hold them tightly and feel your commitment to them. 

Now, without letting go, extend your right hand to your friend. Don’t let go of the convictions in your left hand and don’t let go of your handshake with your right. This is the stance that represents the kind of emotional maturity that Jesus modelled for us as he clearly defined himself again and again while inviting others to think about their own response to him, all within relationships of grace and truth.”

In fact, he clearly instructs people to love their enemies. Matthew 5:43–44,  states, "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you". This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew's fifth chapter of the New Testament. In this chapter, Jesus refutes the idea that people should hate their enemies.

“An Armenian nurse had been held captive along with her brother by the Turks. Her brother was slain by a Turkish soldier before her eyes. Somehow she escaped and later became a nurse in a military hospital. 

One day she was stunned to find that the same man who had killed her brother had been captured and brought wounded to the hospital where she worked. Something within her cried out "Vengeance." But a stronger voice called for her to love. She nursed the man back to health. 

Finally, the recuperating soldier asked her, "Why didn’t you let me die?" 

Her answer was, "I am a follower of Him who said, ’Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you’." Impressed with her answer, the young soldier replied, "I never heard such words before. Tell me more. I want this kind of religion."”

The love of God can be poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who is given to us. Even when someone feels far from blessed myself, even when old age makes one feel there is little I can do for others, I can still give my approval and blessing to those I meet; that will lift them.

Well might we pray, there are times, Lord, when you lift us beyond what we thought possible. Here you ask me to be perfect: meaning that in my heart I should bless even those who hate me and wrong me. Amen