James Tissot, La sermon des béatitudes
between 1886 and 1894
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
Brooklyn Museum
via Wikimedia Commons
[Jesus said to his disciples:] “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44
Every day Jesus throws out a new challenge. Today my challenge is to love those who have disrespected me, abused me, rejected me, cheated me, used me, manipulated me, been unfaithful to me, hurt me in any way.
My challenge is to love those who irritate me, annoy me, bother me, frighten me. To love those who are different from me, who have different beliefs from mine, who eat different foods, and who practice different rituals.
My challenge is to look for God, look for the good in every human person, and welcome and love—yes, love—all people in the name of Jesus.
Practicing courtesy. Being respectful. Showing an interest. Finding out what we have in common. Being a peacemaker.
Mary Ann McSweeny 
Agree completely, Mary Ann. Just wrote on this a little over a week ago: http://wp.me/p3lSsm-5P
I have seen others in the last couple of weeks. I’m thinking he wants to gets this message out. Thank you for speaking loudly and being a vessel for His light and love!
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You’re right, Susan. And all it takes is intention, commitment, and practice, practice, practice.
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Dear Mary Ann McSweeny,
This message is very good. Keep up the good work.
God bless,
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Thank you, neodecaussade. I appreciate your encouragement.
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