Week 19: May 4 - 10, 2025: How to Deal with Opposition

This week’s daily readings:

May 4-10, 2025

This week’s devotional:

How to Deal with Opposition

by Rev. Justin Elerath

Scripture:

“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.

— Luke 6:27-31 (NIV) 

Reflection:

This text is often quoted but, in practice, is difficult to comply with. Even still, this is a good reminder for me – and I imagine for you, as well. We so often live our lives trying to avoid opposition. However, do we look at this opposition as an opportunity to reflect the image of God? “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you… Do to others as you would have them do to you.” The latter is what is referred to as the Golden Rule. It is taught in kindergarten as the foundation for our relationships with others. Even though we spend a lifetime trying to put this into practice, we still fall short. If I am being honest, I sometimes wish that it said, “Do to others as they have done to you!” 

In the workplace, I find myself faced with this dilemma every day, I am faced with situations where I want to respond the way I have been treated. It is hard to respond in the moment in a way that honors the instructions Jesus is giving. Too often we think about “Do unto others as you would have them do to you” in the context of an interaction that we start, but the context of the instruction here is in response to what someone else has already done. The world has advice for when we have been wronged: we are told to look out for number one. 

The truth is, when we follow what Jesus is saying, when we treat others the way we would have them treat us, we are acting in our best interest anyway. Sometimes, the hard thing to do, the behavior that goes against our human nature, actually is doing what’s best for us! Peace is a fruit of the spirit. How much more peace would we experience if we allowed the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and loved our enemies?

Prayer:

Dear God, as I read the Gospels and hear the words of Jesus, I’m often taken aback at his advice. How can we humans do what Jesus commands us when it goes against all of our instincts? Holy Spirit, I surely need your help to obey! Teach me God’s words and bury them deep in my heart so I can reference them when needed. Save me from the tendency to look out for number one, reminding me that loving others is ultimately what’s best for me. Give me peace in knowing that I’m doing what you would have me do. And when I experience opposition, let my actions reflect your image and be a shining example to a world bent on seeking revenge. In Jesus’ name, Amen.