“And if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 5:40-41).
There are wars and rumors of wars because people know how to hate. Division and hatred rule in this age. Jesus knows this. He came to set us free from this sinful way of thinking and acting. Learn how to shed the reactionary way of thinking that you are in control that you may learn what Jesus is teaching. Love is the action of doing what is right for the soul and well-being of the other.
Holy Spirit, stir my heart to understand these things and put them into practice. I understand what I should not do quite well because these are the things I do. The fruits You will grow in me are the kinds of things Jesus is talking about. Help me to live them, grow in them, and dwell in Your presence as You teach me. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and the like are the fruits of my new creation in You.
Lord and Savior, I hear these things with my ears, but I know they are far from my heart. I need You to save me here too. When I become selfish and self-serving, lift me out of myself. When I am weary and unwilling, nudge me to walk with others anyway. Lord, You know all that is needed. I am asking You to continue to lead me as I need to be led no matter whether I understand it or not. You are the potter, and I am the clay. Shape me, Lord. Amen.
