Fortunately, more self-awareness, a degree of maturity, and some wonderful, inspirational people have helped me to understand a better approach to being a loving follower of Jesus. While I have not attained sainthood yet, I will share a few observations.
Let’s start at the top. Matthew quotes Jesus in chapter 5 of his Gospel:
Certainly, one message here is to not return evil with evil; but another dimension to this instruction taps into our abilities to be generous, to offer a bit more than just breaking even.
Consider the familiar Bible story of the Good Samaritan. Yes, Jesus teaches about who is our neighbor, but that Samaritan is very generous! He could have just applied first aid and dropped the wounded man off at the inn; but he went farther, offering to pay any additional cost for the man’s care.
Also, in Matthew’s Gospel (18:22), Jesus tells us to forgive others—not seven times, but seventy-seven. Couldn’t Jesus have suggested seventeen or forty-seven times? He knew we would be happier if we went the distance, a little farther.
I have some suggestions for you which have proven helpful to me. At your prayer time, when reading a Bible passage, take the time to read it a second or third time. Perhaps, see how other gospel writers describe the same incident in Jesus’ life. Add just a few minutes of reflection.
When you pray for a friend or relative, take a little more time to pray for that person’s caregiver, spouse, or parent, or maybe pray about a special worry with which that person struggles. It only takes an extra minute or two.
I packed two bags of my clothes to donate to charity. I stopped and took a few extra minutes to look around; I found some hats and gloves in other drawers that I could add to the offerings.
I took a short walk this morning around my neighborhood. It was a lovely, cool morning. I saw some gorgeous dark red flowers on a bush and a stunning Rose of Sharon bush with pretty blue blossoms. I was moved to praise and thank God for his beautiful creation, and then I added a small thank-you prayer for his gifts to me—that I could walk and see. It was like a P.S. on a written letter, a little afterthought that I could not forget.
My last suggestion concerns store clerks. I always thank them for any assistance they give me, but now I try to compliment their smile or their hairdo or something that requires me to add a little more loving attention.
Now I thank you, readers, for your attention today. Know that I have added just a few more prayers for your peace and joy to my prayer list.
Scripture passages are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.