Facing One Another

Albert Bogle October 10, 2026 2 2

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Luke 6: 27–31 (NIVUK)

27 ‘But to you who are listening I say: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you. 29 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. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

These are the most demanding and courageous verses in the whole of Scripture. In these verses, the heart of Jesus is revealed, and in doing so, the very heart of God is opened up for all to see. In these verses, the Hope of the ages is revealed as the answer to hate and war. All of Scripture links together, be it in the Torah, the Prophets, or the Gospels. Jesus teaches us in our prayer lives to remind ourselves before God that we will forgive those who have wronged us.

Now Jesus turns our forgiveness into courageous, responsive actions of strength that leave the offenders stunned. Grace always outshines revenge, because it renders retaliation not only petty, but utterly pointless. However, grace is never cheap; in doing so, we give ourselves away in love and humility, reflecting something of the cross of Christ.

Personal Reflection: Who do I need to forgive. Who have I held a grudge against for many years. Lord, give me the grace to let this go!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Help me draw closer to you today,

Help me to listen carefully to your voice,

Turn my spiteful heart away from revenge,

Take control of my tongue,

Let kind words turn away anger and hate.

Reshape my heart,

Retune my voice,

Restrain my reflexes,

Remove from me my grudging spirit,

Renew a right spirit within me,

Reveal your grace and love to others through my life.

Let Hope be the watchword of my soul.