Jesus’ Unpopular Ideas

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Today's reading title Jesus's unpopular ideas was written by and see this for 15 years. Mike burden held hate filled meetings in the memorabilia shop he ran in his small town, but in 2012 when his wife began to question his involvement. His heart softened he realized how wrong his racist views were and didn't want to be that person any longer. The militant group retaliated by kicking his family out of the apartment. They been renting from one of the members. Where did he turn for help. Surprisingly, he went to a local black pastor with whom he clashed the pastor and his church provided housing and groceries for Mike's family for some time. When asked why he agreed to help pastor Kennedy explained Jesus Christ did some very unpopular things when it's time to help you do what God wants you to do later Mike spoke at Kennedy's church and apologize to the black community. For his part in spreading hatred.

Jesus taught some unpopular ideas in the sermon on the Mount give to the one who asks you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

That's the upside down way of thinking God calls us to follow the what looks like weakness.

It's actually acting out of God's strength.

The one who teaches us is the one who gives the power to live out this upside down life in whatever way he asks of us today is Our Daily Bread devotional Scripture reading is from Matthew chapter 5 verses 38 through 48 you have heard that it was said I for I am tooth for tooth, but I tell you, do not resist an evil person.

If anyone slaps you on the right cheek turned to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt hand over your coat as well.

If anyone forces you to go 1 mile, go with him 2 miles give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get are not even the tax collectors doing that and if you greet only your own people. What are you doing more than others do not even the pagans do that. Be perfect. Therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect.

Let's pray Lord, even the most faithful of us have hidden sin in our hearts, whether it's racist views toward your beloved or greed or lust. None of us are immune. Please help us shine a light on these areas of our lives and lead us to healing, help us to love others as you love us, Lord. It's in Jesus name that we pray. Amen.

Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread ministries