Happy Newyear's Update, to my Black Creek 'Body of Jesus' friends and family

 

Yesterday I read a Scripture about 'loving your enemies'. 

 

 Luke 6:27 But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

28  bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
29  To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.

 

Hmm...  I have often read and thought about this.

As it stands I don't really have any enemies.  

I know some people don't enjoy my company, but quite a bit of this scripture just doesn't seem to directly apply to my life.

 

Then I was reminded that I have emotionally distanced myself from a person in one of my work zones.  

I had pretty much written him off as a liability for very real reasons.

 

 The question that came into my mind was, 

"What does redemption for that person look like?"  

"What does true care and love towards that person look like?"

"What does a relationship where trust is low look like?"

 

 This coming week many of our church programs are returning to normal times and activities.  

No Sunday School or Nursery this Sunday.

Check the bulletin or website for details.

 

 This new year brings change and difficulty for some people in our community.

Please continue to pray and lift them to our King for his; 

intervention, peace, joy, and power to live well 

despite their circumstances.

 

So... how does Jesus want me to love my 'enemies'? 

 

 Luke 6:35  But love your enemies, and do good, 

and lend, expecting nothing in return, 

and your reward will be great, 

and you will be sons of the Most High, 

for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

 

Wow, I am still not sure what exactly it looks like 

for me to love this way..  

 

 Lord Jesus, teach me how to bridge that gap of low trust

with healthy boundaries

in kindness and grace.

Help me risk.

I look forward to Your Strategy

 

 Maybe you are in a similar situation

ASK Him.   

and look forward to seeing Him work.. through you.

 

Blessings on your week,

 

Peter Jackson

Pastoral Team

Black Creek Community Church

peterj@blackcreekchurch.ca