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In the bible everything seems the opposite to what our culture says. Jesus said:

Blessed are those who are poor … hungry … weep …and are hated for my sake

In our society it seems image, status, power and possessions are prized above kindness, integrity, loyalty and honesty.

Recently, my husband was reading the Bible to me and these verses resonated so strongly in my spirit that my whole being hummed. I can’t move from it:

²⁷ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,²⁸ bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Luke 6:27-31

It is so radical, even today. It is not enough to forgive our enemies. We are to bless them and pray for them. This blows my mind. It is the key to understanding our precious Father’s love for us. He holds nothing back. He loves us unreservedly.

I am not perfect. Far from it in fact. And sometimes I have struggled to truly forgive and let go in the past. Typically, it can be quite the journey. But does it have to be? In the natural it is impossible. But with God anything is possible.

If we pray for a complete transformation of our mind, heart, will, imagination and spirit – to be like Jesus. He will release a flow of patience, humility, forgiveness, love, peace, joy and compassion in our lives. And those precious characteristics reveal Jesus to the world.

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