"Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)

Sunday, July 9, 2023

****Christ Our Ultimate Model

         I have said that we should only mind what God thinks about us, not what others think. In practice, this is not always easy, especially when the others are our own family. It helps to take their intention into consideration. If they mean well, then accept what they say. If not, then it becomes hard to do so. I can only look to Christ the Lord for guidance and inspiration. In Luke 6, he said to his disciples, "To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back." Indeed, Jesus himself demonstrated what he taught here. He was accused, mocked, laughed at, scourged, and ordered to carry his cross all the way to his own crucifixion, yet he never retaliated in any way. Instead he prayed for those who persecuted him. So the answer is clear: we must remain calm and not take whatever is said about or done to us personally. Rejoice that you are following his example. This is difficult but entirely possible with the Lord's help. And you'll enjoy his peace too.

No comments:

Post a Comment