February 23rd Virtual Worship
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Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, February 23
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:27-38
Sermon: Love Even for Enemies
Luke 6:27-38
“But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
Key Idea of the Sermon
Last Sunday we studied the passage immediately preceding today’s teaching from Jesus. That lesson was a blessing for the oppressed and a warning for the oppressors. It might give the idea that Jesus hated and wished ill for oppressive enemies. Today’s lesson corrects that possible misunderstanding. Jesus is clear: we are to love even our enemies and resist judgment and condemnation. This very high standard of love is exemplified in God’s love, for God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Liberated from judgment we are freed to be gracious and generous.
Questions for Reflection
• Conventional wisdom condones meeting evil with evil. Jesus insists disciples meet evil with good. How have you experienced the power of good to overcome evil thoughts or actions in your life? • Our nation seems caught in an unending cycle of hate, attack, and counterattack. How might love interrupt that cycle of pain and division? • A lot of effort goes into trying to change the mind of opponents. Might it be that what we all need is a change of heart?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
When we are feeling the winter blues it is especially important to practice the rituals and traditions of our faith. Daily prayer and Bible reading keep us close to Christ. Regular worship keeps us in communion with the community of disciples. Serving others opens us to a greater sense of meaning, purpose, and joy. Make faith practice a priority this winter and see how your mood changes.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
