ROOTED - Tuesday, May 18, 2021

The question of vulnerability is a relational one.  With whom will we share our hearts?  The Scriptures counsel us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), for we are liable to fall in love with the wrong thing or the wrong person.  Yet, at the same time, we are called to open our hearts to one another.  And as disciples of Jesus – this is where our calling goes far beyond the way of the world – we are called to open our hearts even to our enemies.

 

II Corinthians 6:11-13

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 

12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 

13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

 

Luke 6:27-30

27 [Jesus said,] “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 

28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 

29 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. 

30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

 

Reflections

What does it look like to open your heart wide to your brother or sister in Christ?  What does it look like to love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you?

 

When have you struggled to do this well?  When have you excelled at it?

 

Ask the Lord for help to be vulnerable to others in love.

 

Prayer

Lord, I want to be more like you: totally open to the will of the Father, totally loving to others, and even concerned for the well-being of my enemies.  If I am being honest, this is hard for me.  So help me, Lord.  Make me more like you.  I pray in your name, Jesus.  Amen.