Mission Possible – Provide Services to People of Any or No Faith: But

Key Verse

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.“

Matthew 5:43-47 (NLT)

Short Reflection

But. It may be one of Jesus’ favorite words.

Many of us would be comfortable hating our enemies, but Jesus says we must love them.

Many of us would be comfortable limiting those we serve to people who are like us, but Jesus calls us to serve people who are much different than us.

Many of us find it easy to dismiss doing hard things because we don’t think a positive outcome is possible, but Jesus reminds us that what is impossible for man is possible with God. Mission possible.

This post completes our yearlong path to “Palpable Kingdom Presence”. It’s a compelling, inspiring vision, but it will never happen without the word “But”.

This is the fourth in the “Provide Services to People of Any or No Faith” series of blog posts on our Journey to Palpable Kingdom Presence. It is also our last post of the yearlong blog. Our 2023 annual theme is “Infinite Value”, based on Philippians 3:8-9a. Check back in the weeks ahead to see if we start another yearlong blog, and thanks for joining us this year!