Difficult Christianity

Do you ever sit there and think about how difficult it really is to be a devoted Christian? Truly, there are moments where putting legs to your faith smacks you in the face.

Let what Jesus tells us in Luke sink in to you today:

But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, so good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also.And if anyone takes away your coat, don't hold back your shirt either. Give to everyone who asks from you, and from the one who takes away your things, don't ask for them back. Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do what is good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 6:27-36


The first thing Jesus says here is, "...to you who listen:..."  Every once in a while I have to be honest with my husband when I am busy. He'll be talking to me and I have to stop him and say, "I'm sorry. I heard you, but I wasn't listening. I have no idea what you just said." We have do more than simply hearing, or reading, Him in order to receive this difficult command: We have to earnestly listen.

Have you ever prayed for someone as this passage tells us to? I mean, really prayed. It amazes me that God places such a compassion for them, and sometimes a pity, in our hearts. Ask the Lord to allow you to see them through His eyes- you'll be amazed.

Yet, I have to admit there have been times I don't want to pray as I should because I want to be angry at them. Do you know what the problem with that is? Now you have to repent of that before you ever get around to doing it right. And remember, "Don't let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools." Ecclesiastes 7:9 


How do we combat these feelings and glorify Him in difficult situations such as this? I was directed to a wonderful set of verses in the Psalms recently. It's funny how so often when others give me Words of comfort, I turn to find they were already underlined in my Bible:

Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God; my strong rock, my refuge, is in God. Trust Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8 Emphasis mine


We give it to God- it's as simple as that. There is no magic formula, or check-list of duties.

You simply give Him your anger and hurt, and allow Him to give you graciousness and mercy in return.