February 26, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

When people curse us, we bless them. When they hurt us, we put up with it. When they tell evil lies about us, we speak nice words about them. I beg you, please follow my example. (1 Cor. 4:12, 13, 16)

We belong to an upside-down kingdom whose meek and humble ways, as exemplified by its King, are very different from the violent, self-serving ways of the world. Likely inspired by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to follow his example of defeating evil with good, not retribution. We prove we are believers when we do likewise - love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. The eye-for-an-eye kind of justice has no place in God’s kingdom. Love for enemies is what’s prevalent.

On our own, we will not be able to fulfill this tall order. But as Jesus promised, with God’s grace, all things are possible.