Luke 6:27-38

Our natural tendency when attacked is self-protection and when we are attacked, we attack back. We respond to an angry word with another, or to a blow by hitting back. Here Jesus suggests that at times there may be another way to act. What has been your experience of retaliation? Has it been life-giving? Have you experience of another way of acting?

When we do good to another, it can sometimes be in return for what we have received. At other times it can be done in the hope of getting something back. Or we may do it simply for the sake of doing good without any strings attached. Jesus suggests that this is when we are at our best. Recall your experience of these different ways of giving and celebrate the occasions when you gave without expectation of return.

Jesus proposes the generosity of God as a model for our generosity. Jesus himself, in word and deed, witnessed to that kind of generosity even when he met with ingratitude or opposition. It cost him his life because the mighty of the world would not tolerate it. Yet he was sustained by his belief that he was doing the Father's will. What convictions support you in your efforts to show compassion to others