Tenth Day of Lent

 Saturday, February 27, 2021

Hallelujah!  He is risen!
A Lenten Devotional Guide
anonymous

 

Do good to those who hate you.
Luke 6:27

Doing good to those who hate you is, for me, one of the most difficult principles of the Christian life. I can pray for someone who doesn't like me but performing an actual act of kindness forces me to rely on God's Spirit and strength.

I undercut my intention to do good by wondering, "What if my kindness is rebuffed?" or "What if the person just dislikes me more?" Only by finally asking, "Do I want to disobey God?" do I get back to the real challenge facing me.

I say something kind to the person. Maybe I say something nice about the person to someone else. Or I offer to lend a book I've heard the person wants to read. I help meet a need, which I could have legitimately ignored. Usually doing good is a simple act that I would do joyfully for a friend. But little deeds become big acts of faith when I do them -- simply because the Lord asks me to do so -- for someone who dislikes me.

Jesus wants us to deal with others as he has dealt with us. Easter helps me remember that Christ gave his life for me while I was alienated from him. So I show his love by extending goodness to someone who is alienated from me. When doing good to an "enemy" seems an impossible assignment, it helps me to recall the encouragement from Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Then it is in his strength that I set out to obey.

God, help me demonstrate your love by doing good to those who don't like me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Hallelujah! He is Risen!
prepared for First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, Florida
Spring 2011
compiled by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator
reproduced and edited by Patience Fort