“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 6:27-31
“There is here a progression from love, to doing good, to going beyond ourselves (in blessing and prayer) for the benefit of those harming us, to giving over and above what is taken. It seems likely that there is also a progression on the other side: one of evil — from being hostile toward us (an enemy), to hating, to cursing (verbal abuse), to mistreating through physical abuse and the taking of our possessions. The generosity commended and commanded is further characterized by how it responds to those who only ask for our goods, and how it does not seek the return of goods taken from us.
It is necessary to reemphasize that these words of Jesus are not laws, but are illustrations. One who can think of morality and moral goodness only in terms of laws will find the teaching of Jesus simply outrageous or impossible. As I see it, these teachings are indications of what children of the kingdom will be constrained to do, and be able to do, in many circumstances, perhaps most, because of the faith, hope and love — not precluding understanding — present in them. We are not here dealing with behaviors of weak and wimpy, depressed and gloomy people.”
Dallas Willard (1935-2013) in Renewing the Christian Mind: Essays, Interviews, and Talks (New York: Harper One, 2016) 347.
These are two great words from one of my favorite modern authors on the teachings of Jesus: “illustrations and indications.” Because of the impact of God’s grace and love on our lives, our responses as followers of Christ, such as loving our enemies or being radically generous, are not oppressive laws but indications and illustrations of what God’s people do when captivated by His goodness.
Father in heaven, our world (sadly!) seems filled with depression and gloom, and weak and wimpy people. Empower each of us who has been transformed by Your love to make your glory known through how we forgive and love the undeserving, how we share and give to those in need, and how we help and lift up the weak. Do this so that we might be illustrations and indications that You reign and Your hope is both sure and secure. Aid us to this end today, we ask in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.