A Bible Verse We Often Rather Skip Over
Have you ever encountered verses in the Bible you wish the Holy Spirit hadn’t included, such as the ones about loving our enemies?
Verses like these seem nearly impossible to obey. And so intimidating that we’re tempted to skip over them and pretend they don’t exist.
Here’s one example:
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. Luke 6:27-28 ESV
Many of you have been hurt in ways I can only imagine. (I’m truly sorry for what you’ve suffered.) Yet as difficult as it is to read Jesus’ words, He was speaking to you, too. Perhaps especially to you.
When our pain is still raw and when the person who has hurt us doesn’t seem the least bit sorry, we find it so much easier to close our ears (and heart) to Jesus’ words. But notice the first part of verse 27, “But I say to you who ‘hear.”’
Are we listening? Or are we so afraid to listen that we act as if we can’t hear our Father’s voice?
As impossible as it may seem, we who have been hated, cursed, and abused, must listen to what God is saying to us. When we hear (and obey) His Word, we gain the ability to destroy what the devil is using to break us.
Bitterness, resentment and rage have kept us imprisoned long enough. We need to change the way we process our pain. I’m not saying we should remain in an abusive situation. I’m saying that rather than to allow what has happened to us to cause further devastation, let’s ask God to help us do “the impossible” and love those who have hurt us.
Perhaps we can begin by asking God to help us apply Luke 6:27-28 to those who have hurt us by praying something like, God, I don’t want to forgive (name of person who has hurt you). Help me take the first step toward obeying You.
Even if we do this reluctantly at first, only because God’s Word tells us to, we’ll discover unexpected peace as we break free from Satan’s control.
And hopefully, as we grow in our desire to obey God’s Word, we’ll skip over fewer and fewer verses.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
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Thank you for your timely reflection and experience. This verse is a deeply healing command, not a suggestion. A daily struggle if we stay present in our families, neighborhood and community, both secular and faith based.
EXCELLENT comment, Jeanie. Very well said. Thank you.
I especially appreciate your reminding us that forgiveness brings healing.
Welcome to Today Can Be Different. Please stop by often.
“When we hear (and obey) His Word, we gain the ability to destroy what the devil is using to break us.”
I love this! Where we are weak, he is strong! We are more than conquers through Christ Jesus!
“Even if we do this reluctantly at first.”
That is so true. I always do it reluctantly at first. But God is able and faithful to enable me to obey him.
Love your comment, Barbara. Indeed, God is able and faithful to enable us to obey Him – even in this.
Great post Sheryl!
Thank you, Judy.
Sheryl, thank you for your exceptional blog message today! I found it to be both insightful and encouraging and have shared it on our Heart”wings” A Women’s Fellowship/Ministry community page as well as my Timeline. j
THANK you so much, Joyce. It means a lot to me that you shared it on the Heart”wings” A Women’s Fellowship/Ministry community page – and on your personal Facebook page. Again thank you for the compliment – AND for all you (and Becky Gifford Smith) do for the Body of Christ.
What a beautiful reminder. It can be hard to forgive and pray blessings over those who abuse us. And yet, when we do, the Lord does something amazing. He takes the pain onto himself and frees us from the grip of the evil one.
INDEED! Thank you, Tang, for stopping by and leaving a great (insightful) comment.
Welcome to Today Can Be Different. I hope you stop by often.