In light of the events of the past week, I am pretty much emotionally drained when it comes to digging deep to offer a devotion or reflection on all that has happened. As Secretary of State John Kerry said, “In the past few days we have seen the best and we’ve seen the worst of human behavior, and it’s the best that all of us really want to focus on.” I couldn’t agree more. But rather than offer you my own words to express how I think we can do this, I have gone to the source that informs every aspect of my life. I offer to you a sampling of wisdom from Holy Scripture”
Luke 23:34a:Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.”
Matthew 5:44:But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you.
Luke 1:73ab-75:He has granted that we would be rescued from the power of our enemies so that we could serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness in God’s eyes, for as long as we live.
Luke 6:27:But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.
Luke 6:35:Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have great reward. You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people.
Philippians 1:27-29:Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this so that you stand firm united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel. That way you wont’ be afraid of anything your enemies do. Your faithfulness and courage are a sign of their coming destruction and your salvation, which is from God. God has generously granted you the privilege, not only of believing in Christ, but also of suffering for Christ’s sake.
All scriptures are from the Common English Bible (CEB)
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