Universal Utterings

for February 23, 2025

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

02-23-25 Luke 6 v2733 Bless Those Who Curse You

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The Gospel of Luke Chapter 6 V- 27 and 33

27 “But to you who hear 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 To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same.”

In Luke 6:27-33, Jesus presents a radical call to discipleship that centers on love and forgiveness, challenging us to extend compassion beyond our natural inclinations. He instructs us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and lend without expecting anything in return. This teaching emphasizes a profound truth: true discipleship is not merely about loving those who love us back, but about embracing the difficult task of forgiving those who wrong us.

Forgiveness can be particularly challenging when faced with betrayal or mistreatment, yet it is essential for our spiritual growth and aligns with the heart of Christ's message. Jesus calls us to show mercy and kindness to everyone, even those who seem undeserving. This radical love reflects the nature of God, as He does not reserve His love only for the righteous but extends grace to all humanity, inviting us to mirror that same love in our lives.

In both good and bad situations, our response should be rooted in grace and forgiveness. When we encounter failure or disappointment, it’s often easier to withdraw or retaliate. However, the call to forgive transforms our hardships into opportunities for growth and reconciliation, shaping us into true followers of Christ. It reminds us that every mistake—whether caused by ourselves or others—is an opportunity to practice the grace we believe in.

Feeling betrayed can cut deeply, especially in a ministry context where the expectation is to exemplify compassion and understanding. As I faced the repercussions of an accusation regarding my language during a tense moment at the prison—despite my longstanding relationship with the guards and my commitment to my role—I was initially engulfed in frustration and hurt. It felt unjust to be judged without the chance to clarify my actions or defend myself, especially more than four months later, particularly as the situation unfolded during an unprecedented shakedown on what was meant to be our final day in a Kairos weekend.

However, reflecting on Luke 6:27-33, I find profound guidance on the path toward forgiveness. Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and do good to those who may not fully understand our intentions. This scripture compels me to release my grievance and remember that God forgives me, despite my shortcomings. In doing so, I am called to extend that same grace to those who may have misinterpreted my actions or motives. By choosing to forgive, I reclaim my peace and embody the very message I seek to share through my ministry.

In this moment of betrayal, I recognize my ability to choose love over resentment, echoing the profound truth that God’s forgiveness empowers me to forgive as well. Therefore, I proclaim: God forgives, and so do I. May this act of forgiveness be a testament to the transformative power of grace, even in the face of misunderstanding. Even in the change of hearts by those who let hear-say sway their feelings and original intentions.

Ultimately, discipleship is about embodying the love that Christ exemplified, even when it’s difficult. It's an invitation to restore relationships and foster understanding, reflecting the hope and salvation found in Jesus. As we strive to forgive our enemies and those who hurt us, we discover the liberating power of love that leads to true peace and authentic discipleship. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

02-23-2025 Luke 6 v2733

**Bless Those Who Curse You**

In mountains high, the teacher stands,

With gentle voice and open hands,

“Love your enemies,” He calls to all,

Embrace the broken, rise when they fall.

Do good to those who bring you pain,

In their shadows, let love reign.

When hatred strikes, do not respond,

With love, with grace, the heart will bond.

If someone curses, bless them still,

Turn the cheek, resist the ill.

For in your kindness, strength will grow,

Like rivers deep, compassion flow.

Lend your hand, but ask for naught,

For true love thrives when it’s freely sought.

Not merely loving those who care,

But seeking out the lost, the lonely, the rare.

When trials come and tempests roar,

Remember the One who walked before.

He bore our burdens, our pain, our strife,

And showed us how to live this life.

So, in every moment, let love’s light shine,

Forgive those who stumble; let their hearts entwine.

For in such love, in every embrace,

We mirror His truth, His infinite grace.

Amen to the call, to love without end,

In the face of the storm, be a steadfast friend.

As we journey forth, may our hearts align,

With the truth of His Word, forever divine. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

February 23, 2025 @ 05:44 AM EST

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