Luke 6:23-33

23 You can be glad when that happens - skip like a lamb, if you like! - for even though they don't like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this. Give Away Your Life
24 But it's trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you'll ever get.
25 And it's trouble ahead if you're satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long. And it's trouble ahead if you think life's all fun and games. There's suffering to be met, and you're going to meet it.
26 "There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests - look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.
27 "To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.
28 When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person.
29 If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.
30 If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
31 "Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!
32 If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that.
33 If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that.

Images for Luke 6:23-33

Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.