Daily Worship

The courage to change direction

Albert Bogle May 09, 2016 0 0

Matthew 5:43-45

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you..."

Today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel got me thinking about its implications for the Christian’s everyday life conversations.  As ‘People Of The Way’ there is no place in our minds or our hearts for holding on to hurts or grudges from the past. We must look for the conversation that will release blessing and forgiveness into the lives of those who have wronged us.  

I remember reading about a conversation that involved the disgraced President Richard Nixon.  It was at the funeral of Hubert Humphrey the former vice-president of the United States. Nixon was a persona non grata due to his impeachment over Watergate. At the reception in the White House Nixon was standing all alone.  No one wanted to be associated with him.  Nixon stood ostracised in the White House in the middle of the Washington political class. Suddenly Jimmy Carter the serving President entered the room.  Carter was of a different political persuasion to Nixon he was also well known for his Christian principles.  As he moved around the room his eye caught the lonely Nixon standing isolated and humiliated. Carter immediately changed direction and walked straight over to Nixon, held out his hand to him and smiling broadly was heard say, “Welcome home Mr President! Welcome home!”  Newsweek magazine reported the incident some time later in these words “if there was ever a turning point in Nixon’s long ordeal in the wilderness, it was that moment that gesture of love and compassion.”

 

Lord.
Give me the courage to change direction
To cross the room
To smile
To hold out a hand
To embrace an opponent
To stand in their place
To see myself as they see me
Come and join our conversation
Change our hearts
Remove the fear
Resolve the tension
Show us how you make enemies become friends

Lord,
I believe
Help my unbelief
Open my mind and heart to what could be
Give me the courage to change direction.