Lets Do Lunch
“Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.” Romans 12:17-21, The Message
This is a direct hit! The more I read the Bible, these are the kinds of verses that jump into my reality. Today, I think this is almost impossible. When someone yanks my chain or throws me under the bus, the last thing I contemplate is being kind or generous. Yet, this is exactly what Jesus is asking us to do for Him.
Notice how I phrased that ‘for Him’ because I would never do it for myself. I am too prideful. If I do not feel comfortable being around someone, I tend to disappear. I know, I should just pray about it, put it in His hands and…and what? Show extreme kindness? Personally, I don’t think that too many of us are wired like that.
I find it extremely easy to be kind and generous to strangers in need but woe to the individual who has done me wrong! There are moments when I think about getting even, or verbally telling them off, or some other form of creative revenge but it has been a very long time since I have actually done any of that. Perhaps that is progress and maybe I am being too hard on myself.
To be even more honest, I get anxious when people around me are fired up; arguing, raising their voices, using threatening words. These things do not give me warm fuzzy feelings. And especially if the anger is directed at me. I cannot picture myself saying, “Let’s go have some lunch and talk this over. I’ll buy!”
Nevertheless, Jesus did not suggest it, He said do it. Well, I am better than I once was but not as good as I’m going to be. I’m going to just ask the Holy Spirit to guide me through situations like these.
How about you?
Father God, teach me Your ways. When I fall short, please forgive me but don’t stop the lessons. AMEN.