Loving Difficult People (Part II)
Luke 6:27-31
4. How to love people who hit you
29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also . . .
Luke 6:29 (ESV)
23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” John 18:23 (ESV)
According to rabbinic law, to hit someone with the back of the hand was twice as insulting as hitting him with the palm of the hand.
Jesus is encouraging his disciples not to fight back or retaliate when insulted.
5. How to love people who haul you into court
. . . and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.
Luke 6:29 (ESV)
The example of the cloak probably refers to the responsibility one must take when he or she has committed a wrong.
We are to try to rectify the situation and treat others right by making an extra effort.
6. How to love people who heist your stuff
30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. Luke 6:30 (ESV)
The kingdom citizen holds his possessions loosely and generously gives to him who asks; the assumption is that it is a legitimate need.
1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 (ESV)
24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV)
9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9 (ESV)
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (ESV)
The principle: 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31 (ESV)
Warren Wiersbe: We must not look at these admonitions as a series of rules to be obeyed. They describe an attitude of heart that expresses itself positively when others are negative, and generously when others are selfish, all to the glory of God.