A Daily Devotion for Weds., Sept. 16
Luke 6:27-31
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.“
This passage makes me think about something I associate with (hearing from) teachers- maybe I heard it from my own mom who was a teacher. The person (or child) who seems most unlikable is often the one who needs love and affection the most. Maybe this scripture is where this adage came from. Jesus taught, “If someone hates you, treat them well. If someone wishes you harm, or harms you, pray for them. If someone takes from you, make sure there is nothing else that they need, and let them have that, too!” Jesus tells us to show love to those who are showing us just the opposite of love. He is telling us that those who are unlovable need love from us, maybe more than anyone else!
Holy Lord, help me to notice when someone seems to be pushing others away or treating others badly for no good reason. If I am able to show them a kindness, help me to have the courage to do so. May I always treat others as I would hope to be treated. Amen
Becky, transforming
DAILY DEVOTIONS (UPPER ROOM)
Wednesday, September 16th, 2026
Give to those who ask
(Focus Those without food and shelter
Today’s Reading Luke 27-31
Luke 6:30
Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.
The Golden Rule is the final sentence in the paragraph and the final arguments regarding the above reading of loving our enemies! “Love your enemies” and “do to others as you would have them do to you .This message is meant to be “one with the other.” We aren’t just supposed to treat “others” generally as we would want to be treated (although we should be doing that), but we are to treat our enemies…
Luke 6:27-31
“The Golden Rule” that every school child learns is one that crosses virtually all faith traditions. This is the all-encompassing prevenient grace of the Holy Spirit. If it could be lived out by a larger segment of humanity the world would be totally transformed. We can only do our part by doing our part. This morning’s Upper Room reflection used the difficult, but common example of a young man begging on a street corner. The need for this kind of compassion starts even closer than that, even to within our own homes. We must pray for loved ones who mistreat us and not withhold anything within reason from them. Jesus tells us to give and not demand back.…