Do you think this is good advice, or not? [Spirituality & Religion]

[b]Today's Gospel reading:[/b]

[b]Luke 6: 27-38[/b]

Jesus said to his disciples: "To you who hear me, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you and pray for those who maltreat you. When someone slaps you on one cheek, turn and give him the other; when someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. Give to all who beg from you. When a man takes what is yours, do not demand it back. Do to others what you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, how can you claim any credit? Sinners do as much. If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what merit is there in it for you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.

"Love your enemy and do good; lend without expecting repayment. Then will your recompense be great. You will rightly be called sons of the Most High, since he himself is good to the ungrateful and the wicked.

"Be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Pardon, and you shall be pardoned. Give, and it shall be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will they pour into the fold of your garment. For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you."

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I have to wonder, was this not meant to be taken literally? Was Jesus exaggerating to make a point? If not, this seems far too much to ask of anyone. Actually, I was raised to be this way, and it has not served me well at all. I have tried to show mercy to people who have hurt me, but I haven't been shown much mercy in return. I've tried to refrain from judging those who have hurt me most, but I have felt judged by them.

I know that there is much wisdom to be found in the Bible, and I do agree with the part about doing unto others as you would have others do unto you. But I have to admit, I was a bit troubled when I heard this Gospel reading today. What are your thoughts about this?

LadyGrace ·

I’ve been contemplating these verses since I read your message. I thought there must be more to this message then we are seeing. This is what God spoke to my heart.

If people are looking for a nice, comfortable walk with God, that doesn't call for too many demands on their life, and makes them happy 24/7, then they probably shouldn't try to be one of Jesus' disciples. He is demanding, because a disciplined life makes for a better life, and Jesus didn’t ask anything more of His followers, than He suffered Himself. Only Jesus went so much further than he asks of us.

He knows what it takes to take up your cross and follow Him. He knew we’d have to be tough if we were going to follow Him and live in this world, as well. Just as people hated Him, he knew we would be hated, as well, and spit upon and cursed, and even in some cases, killed for our beliefs in God.

This is why He refers to us as “Onward Christian [b]Soldiers[/b] of the Cross”. We battle not only the real world, but fight and battle the spirit world, as well, each and every day. If we love Jesus, we gladly take up our cross and follow Him, in both word and deed.

Jesus said to put on the full armor of God. Here’s what that means:

TeresaRudolph71 · 51-55, F

Thank you @LadyGrace. Life can certainly feel like a battle sometimes. That looks like a book worth reading. Thank you for giving this so much thought. The Christian life certainly isn't easy, I know that much.