Articles
It’s so Difficult!
Most of us probably have things we are better at than others. The Bible has some things
that are taught, that seem so simple to me. They seem like common sense, and are easy for me to
do. However, there are also some passages that seem overwhelming. When I look at what is
written, it sometimes makes me doubt if I am ever really going to reach my goal. With the
addition of a family many of these passages actually became much harder for me. As an
individual, my choices affect me, but as a husband and father, my choices affect my whole
family.
Let’s look at one passage in particular. “But to you who are listening I say: Love your
enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat
you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat,
do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what
belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:
27 ).
How can we live up to the words found in this passage? How can I let people just take
my things without fighting back? How can I allow someone to attack me and not fight back? The
love of God. The love of God that gave His own Son as a sacrifice for my sins, your sins.
Understanding and keeping that foremost in our minds will help us. Looking on our enemies as
lost souls that need the love and truth of God’s Word will help us have compassion and
forgiveness in our hearts. It’s not easy. At least not for me, but it is something that we can work
towards. As we grow in Christ, and grow in our understanding of His Word, the goal grows
closer. ~B Tolbert
