Silver Lining
Is it my imagination or are we really treating people nicer these days?
‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.' - Matthew 5:38-42
Who would have thought that a byproduct of isolation and social distancing would be greater tolerance for one another? People are actually acting as though they care about each other.
The difference between what we are seeing today and what Jesus is talking about is that we are not being asked to do this for others. We don't have to be told to go a mile and decide to go the extra mile. We are just doing it because we care.
This is the love for neighbor Jesus taught.
Do you think we can make it last?
Will we go back to being so self-absorbed and distracted that we fail to see the needs around us?
Perhaps. We may need to be reminded from time to time what it was like to be afraid and alone. But if we manage to keep the memory of caring about one another alive, we might just become the kingdom Jesus talked about.
It may be the silver lining in this dark cloud.
More to come...