Love Everyone

Last Sunday, I wrote that for the following six Sundays, until Easter, I would post verses taken from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The following passages seemed rather appropriate considering that many are celebrating St Valentine’s Day today.

Eye for Eye

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5: 38-48, New International Version)

Giving to the Needy

 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4, New International Version)

Hopefully, not just today, but every day, you are kind and giving to your loved ones. But what are you doing to show your love towards others? Strangers? The Poor? Those who have wronged you?

Lord God, send your Holy Spirit into my heart so that I can be loving to others, whether I know them or not. Help me to care for all of Your children as You care for me. Amen 

There are no flowers here to give on Valentine's Day. Will there be flowers by Easter?