Are You My Neighbor?

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 20:13-17; Leviticus 19:16-18; Zechariah 7:8-10; Matthew 5:13-16 (day two) 

“But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?'” Luke 10:29

April and I have moved several times in our 15 years of marriage. Not always to a different town or part of town, but as our family has grown so has our space needs. As a result we have found ourselves in several different neighborhoods in each stage of our young marriage. We found it difficult, or, rather, we made little effort to get to know those around us. We had plenty of excuses: I had a new job, lots of extra activities, new baby, etc. Consequently we came and left without ever really knowing who lived around us. Something was different when we moved back to San Antonio. We both felt compelled to learn about those around us. We have their names written down, and have had seasons where we pray for them even if they haven’t asked for it. They have shared their stories with us, loved our girls, and watched after our house. We have begun kingdom conversations with them and invited them to visit FBCSA. It is simple, but required. If they don’t know us, how could they ever hear that we love them and more that God loves them?

Neighborhood association

Re: Verse reading–Exodus 20:13-17; Leviticus 19:16-18; Zechariah 7:8-10; Matthew 5:13-16 (day one)

“Do not covet your neighbor’s house. . .do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. . .rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share his guilt.” (Exodus 20:17, Leviticus 19:16-17)

Holly and I have lived in the same neighborhood for nearly 20 years.  Hidden Forest.  North Central.  Off Bitters, between Blanco and 281.  691 homes, a little association governed by a covenant document.  All pets must be registered.  No chain link fencing on the street side.  No oil wells (honest!)  God’s book does the same, gives us rules to govern the relationships with those who live near us.  “The reason that God tells us to love our enemies and to love our neighbors is that often these are the same people”–G.K. Chesterton.  Do you know your neighbors?  Do you know the rules that govern your relationship to them?  As you read this week, think next door and across the street.  Neighbors are part of God’s plan.

Burning coals

RE Verse reading–Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:17-21 (day seven) “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. . .in doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”–Romans 12:20.  It sounds awful!  To heap burning coals on someone’s head?  Violent!  Painful burning of scalp and hair!  The context insists we find a different meaning.  Paul is not teaching us how to “get even” with people who have hurt us.  Just the opposite.  “DON’T REPAY evil for evil” he says in v 17.  Better to take “burning coals” as a metaphor for conscience or shame.  Your enemy hurts you. You love him.  He dismisses you.  You value him.  Eventually, it clarifies the source of the problem, destroys any justification he may have for his own hatred.  It disallows his claim, “she is part of the problem”.  No.  Your response forces him (at least gives him an opportunity) to look deeply at his own heart.  “Commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God”–2 Corinthians 4:2.

Enemies with Benefits

Re:Verse reading – Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:17-21 (Day Six) Jesus makes it clear, there is no benefit to withholding good from those who offend or hurt you. There is no benefit to holding grudges, cold shoulders, Facebook jabs, one-line zingers, (you know the kind that you conceive of well after the offense, only wishing you had thought of it in the moment)and the list goes on. None of it has any benefit to you; zero, nada.

Jesus declares, “if you want a great reward-love and do good to those who hurt you.” There are two rewards that are mentioned in our re:verse texts this week. Romans 12:20-21 tells us that evil isn’t overcome by more evil, but by good. One reward is heart change. God uses the good we do to our enemies to bring about a guilty conscience and repentance. Retaliation, no matter how justified, will always result in the hardening of a heart, not softening it. The second reward mentioned is our inheritance as sons and daughters of God. Jesus tells his listeners that kindness towards your enemies is a spiritual DNA marker; it informs others as to your truest identity as children of God. The momentary reward of the swelling of ego and pride that accompanies retaliation is infinitely small compared to the reward we will receive as children of the Kingdom when we “love our enemies.”

Different Perspective Required

Re:Verse reading – Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:17-21  (Day Five)  Often times as believers, it seems a logical course of behavior and living would be to withdraw from society and forego the tension, unkindness, and overall lack of integrity found in secular culture. Its influences of scheming, cheating, and dishonesty bring unwanted problems and difficulties.  But Jesus’ words in Luke 6 would indicate a different approach to this issue.  Instead of insulation and isolation, Jesus promotes love, forgiveness, and compassion.  He unapologetically presumes that believers should and will interact in secular culture and He truthfully shares what can be the result.  Yet, when weighed against eternal perspective and promises (Luke 6:35), enduring these reactions and responses from “enemies” pales in comparison.

 

 

Unnatural

Re:Verse reading – Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:17-21  (Day Four)

The Bible is radical!  Usually the instructions in Scripture are diametrically opposed to the teachings of the world.  Scripture says, “love your enemies”, the world says, “hate your enemies”.  Scripture says, “bless those who curse you”, the world says, “curse them back”.  If someone hits you, your first inclination is to hit them back…if they steal from you, get it back.  Jesus taught a relationship with our enemies that feels almost unnatural…in fact, it is supernatural.  We can only respond like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us.  How do you respond when someone does you wrong?  Do you obey Scripture or do you follow the ways of the world?  It is only by faith that this relationship with our enemies can happen.  Choose wisely.

Case

Re: Verse reading–Luke 6:27-36, Romans 12:17-21 (day three)

“Leave room for God’s wrath.”  When an enemy has hurt you, that offending party must be brought to justice.  But if you’re the one in charge of jurisprudence, is there much chance for thoughtful and wise remedy?  You would have to answer to God for any judicial malpractice.  You are not without recourse, though.  Here’s what the psalmists learned: Hash it out with God.  Now we see why the Psalms contain such violent imagery: Break the arm of the wicked, happy is he who dashes your infants against the rocks, etc.  These are people pouring out their case to the Lord—all the anger, all the rage, all the pain.  You will find no one who takes you as seriously as the Lord.  He will judge.

Without Expectation

Re: Verse reading–Luke 6:27-36, Romans 12:17-21 (day two)

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great.” – Luke 6:35

Giving without expectation of return; this is an exercise that can only come in the light of Christ’s love. Not only did Jesus willingly sacrifice himself for our ability to taste eternal joy, he did so knowing that we could never possibly repay that debt. We aren’t capable. If we could repay what he did, then it nullifies the cross (Galations 2:21).

In this light can you forgive without receiving forgiveness from another? Can you love when you get nothing back? Will you help, when there is no way the other could ever help you? It’s a step to understanding and loving our savior more.

Love your enemies

Re: Verse reading–Luke 6:27-36, Romans 12:17-21 (day one)

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”–Jesus (Luke 6:27-28)  In all of history and literature no words are more fiercely contested.  Unreasonable, impractical say the critics of Christ.  “Old birth” people simply cannot do this work.  Even those who WANT to follow this command find it impossible without a new heart and supernatural support.  Why should we love our enemies?  1) loyalty to Christ demands it, 2) it is the only way to stop the “hate-hurt” cycle, 3) it leads toward conviction and conversion which is the larger, higher purpose of God.  Most of us have miles to go in learning this attitude and practice.  Jesus never changes His demand.  “Forgive us our sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”  Even as we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we are praying for our enemies.  It is a start toward love.

Truth about friendship

Re: Verse reading–Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 1 Samuel 20:1-17, 27-42 (day seven)

“And Jonathan. . .loved him [David] as he loved himself.”–1 Samuel 20:17.  TRUTH–Life is to be fortified with many friendships.  TRUTH–“There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother”(Proverbs 18:24)  TRUTH–Friendship has the potential of being the highest form of love. (John 15:12-15)  TRUTH–Sin isolates.  The Enemy whispers that I am enough in myself, that I do not need others, that being with “them” is a waste.  TRUTH–The Spirit of God brings people together in unity and mutual agreement.   TRUTH–solitary confinement is a form of punishment in almost every society, a universally recognized reality.  TRUTH–ability to make and keep friends is the strongest predictor of success in every field of endeavor.  TRUTH–God is very concerned about my friendships and very clear about His expectations of me on this subject.  It is not “my private business”. TRUTH—We will meet together to think/believe/repent/change on this subject today at FBCSA.  TRUTH–We can do this!  Our Friend will help us.