embracing love loving the unlovable sermon on the mount
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Loving the Unlovable: Tips from the Sermon on the Mount

ByKristina
Love Your Enemies from the Sermon on the Mount

The world can be a tough place. We all encounter people who rub us the wrong way, who maybe even hurt us. But how do we respond? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers radical guidance on navigating these challenging relationships. Let’s delve into some key points:

Ditch the Oaths: Building Trust Through Our Words (Matthew 5:33-37)

Jesus advises against making oaths (swearing on something) to convince others. (Matthew 5:33-37) Why? Because our “yes” should be enough. Oaths imply a lack of trustworthiness. Jesus encourages us to be people of our word, where a simple “yes” or “no” carries the weight of truth. This builds genuine trust in our relationships, even the difficult ones.

Non-Violent Resistance: Overcoming Evil with Good (Matthew 5:38-42)

The “eye for an eye” mentality of retaliation is challenged by Jesus. (Matthew 5:38-42) He urges us to turn the other cheek when slapped and go the extra mile when forced to carry a load. This doesn’t mean becoming a doormat. Instead, it’s about resisting evil with good, breaking the cycle of violence. Imagine the power of someone who refuses to be provoked into anger and revenge.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you"

Matthew 5:38-42

Turning the Other Cheek: Defusing Conflict with Unexpected Kindness (Matthew 5:39)

So, what does “turning the other cheek” literally mean? In the ancient world, a slap was often an insult, not physical harm. Turning the other cheek could be a way of saying, “Hit me again if you want, but it won’t change my stance.” More importantly, it disarms the aggressor. Their intended anger is met with unexpected composure, potentially leading to a de-escalation of the situation.

Loving Your Enemies: Radical Compassion (Matthew 5:44-48)

Jesus goes beyond non-violence and calls for love for our enemies. (Matthew 5:44-48) This isn’t about condoning their actions, but about choosing compassion over hatred. It’s about recognizing the humanity in everyone, even those who oppose us. Imagine the impact if we all responded to negativity with love!

 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect"

Matthew 5:44-48

Being Complete Like Your Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48)

Finally, Jesus calls us to be “complete, just as your heavenly Father is complete.” (Matthew 5:48) This doesn’t mean achieving flawlessness. It means striving for a life that reflects God’s character – a character marked by love, forgiveness, and compassion. By extending these qualities to everyone, even our enemies, we become more like the God we serve.

Living Out the Challenge

Following Jesus’ teachings isn’t always easy. But by incorporating these principles into our lives, we can navigate difficult relationships with greater grace and inner peace. We can choose to break the cycle of negativity and create a ripple effect of kindness in the world. After all, even the toughest people might be softened by unexpected love.

Here’s how to take those powerful lessons from the Sermon on the Mount and apply them in real life:

  • Identify Your Triggers: The first step is self-awareness. What kind of behavior pushes your buttons? Recognizing your triggers allows you to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. Maybe it’s arrogance, gossip, or constant negativity. Once you know your triggers, you can develop strategies to stay calm and collected.
  • Practice Empathy: Try to see things from the other person’s perspective. Are they hurting? Insecure? Sometimes, difficult behavior stems from deeper issues. Empathy doesn’t excuse their actions, but it allows for a more compassionate response.
  • Set Boundaries with Love: It’s okay to say “no” and establish boundaries with people who mistreat you. However, do it with love and respect. Focus on protecting your own well-being, not on punishing them.
  • Offer Kindness, Not Condescension: Kindness can be a powerful tool. Maybe it’s offering a compliment, holding the door open, or simply listening without judgment. Remember, the goal isn’t to become their best friend, but to plant a seed of kindness that might blossom unexpectedly.
  • Forgive and Let Go: Holding onto anger and resentment only hurts you. Forgiveness doesn’t erase what happened, but it releases you from the burden of negativity.

Remember, It’s a Journey, Not a Destination

These are just starting points. Living out these principles will take time and practice. There will be setbacks, moments where you react less than gracefully. But don’t get discouraged! The important thing is to keep striving for progress, for a life that reflects God’s love, even towards those who seem undeserving.

Real-Life Examples:

  • The Workplace: A coworker constantly takes credit for your work. Instead of getting angry, document your contributions and calmly address the issue with your manager.
  • Family Dynamics: A family member is critical and judgmental. Set boundaries on hurtful conversations, but also offer genuine compliments when you can.
  • The Neighborhood: A neighbor consistently plays loud music late at night. Try a friendly approach, offering baked goods and explaining the disruption. If that fails, involve a mediator to resolve the issue peacefully.

Conclusion

The path to loving the unlovable isn’t easy, but it’s a journey worth taking. By incorporating these principles into your life, you can create a ripple effect of kindness, one interaction at a time. Remember, even the toughest hearts can be softened by the power of love and compassion.