Upside Down

Upside Down

Bible: Matthew 5:38-48

You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies (VV.43-44)

If you were to ask me who I am, I’d tell you that I’m a Christian. Following Jesus is my identity. But I have to admit, at times following Him is a real challenge. He tells me to do things like rejoice when I’m hated (MATT. 5:11-12); to turn the other cheek (VV.38-39); to give to people who want to take from me (VV.40-42); to love my enemies and do good to those who hate me
(VV.43-44).

This kind of lifestyle seems very upside down to me. But I’ve come to realise that He’s not upside down—I am. Our instincts are often wrong. Our sin and selfishness means we see the whole of life from our, often limited, points of view—which can leave a big mess. We’re like toast covered with jam that has fallen upside down on the kitchen floor. Left to ourselves, we can make a pretty big mess of things. Then Jesus comes along, scrapes us off the floor and turns us right side up. And as we follow His right-side-up ways, we discover that loving our enemies and not hitting back keeps us from getting caught up in fights. After all, His ways are not our ways (ISA. 55:8). And I’ve come to realise that His ways are always best!

WHAT MAY SEEM UPSIDE DOWN TO US IS RIGHT SIDE UP TO GOD.