March 2, 2025 Reflection

Jesus’ words in Luke 6 challenge us to step into a way of living that seems counterintuitive, especially in a world driven by competition, scarcity, and the fear of not having enough. He calls us to love our enemies, to do good without expecting return, to give without reservation, and to trust that what we pour out in love will be returned to us in overflowing measure.

This is not the economy of the world. It is the economy of the God’s abundance—a system where love is the true currency, and it never runs out. When we fill our cup with grace, we discover that there is always enough, not only for ourselves but for those around us.

But everywhere we turn, we are told that there is not enough. Not enough time. Not enough resources. Not enough money. We see this fear playing out in global conflicts, in economic systems that reward greed, and even within our own lives when we worry that if we give too much, we’ll be left with nothing.

This scarcity mindset is powerful. It makes us afraid. It isolates us. It teaches us to hold tightly to what we have, even at the expense of others.

But Jesus shows us a different way.

Perhaps the most difficult teaching of Jesus in this passage is his command to love our enemies. It’s one thing to be generous to those we care about, but quite another to extend love to those who oppose us, insult us, or even do us harm.

What timing, as I was sitting and working on this sermon that this challenge was on full display on my news feed when the video came up of Friday’s exchange between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. Their conversation, marked by disrespect and hostility, by a leader who has been nothing but a bully, is a reminder of how difficult it is to extend grace when there is political division, war, and personal animosity. But this is exactly the moment where Jesus’ words speak the loudest – when we are the most tested.

Loving our enemies does not mean ignoring justice or pretending that harm has not been done. It means refusing to let hatred and resentment dictate our actions. It means choosing to see the humanity in the other, even when it is difficult. It means praying for those who persecute us, not as an act of passive resignation, but as an act of transformative faith. It means working for the world or country we want to live in, by standing up and resisting, or showing a better way. 

Jesus tells us that when we live in love, when we give freely, we will receive freely. Not necessarily in material wealth, but in the things that truly matter—peace, connection, joy, and purpose. When we allow God’s grace to fill our cup, it overflows, touching every part of our lives and the lives of those around us.

We have seen this truth in action throughout history. When people stand together in solidarity, when communities care for one another, when churches share their resources, love multiplies. Whether it’s in grassroots movements for justice, acts of radical hospitality toward refugees, or churches opening their doors to those in need, God’s provision is never limited.

The church itself is experiencing difficult and changing times. Attendance is declining in many places, budgets are shrinking, and old models of ministry are struggling to survive. It would be easy to give in to fear and try to hold on to what is left.

But Jesus calls us to a different response. Instead of retreating into self-preservation, we are invited to live into abundance—trusting that God’s love never runs dry. This means embracing new ways of being church, stepping out in faith to meet the needs of our communities, and remembering that our true treasure is not in buildings or budgets but in relationships rooted in love. This is what we learned last month when we suddenly had to rethink the café.  The important part of the café was not the food that was served or the menu offered, the important part was the gathering space that was created here, and the opportunity for people from the neighbourhood to gather in community and friendship.

When we practice generosity—even in uncertain times—we embody the very heart of the Gospel. The measure of goodness we pour out will overflow into our laps, just as Jesus promised.

In our personal lives, we see this too. Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you give of yourself—whether in time, kindness, or resources—you don’t end up depleted, but enriched? A friend who gives their time to help another finds their friendship deepened. A person who gives generously to a cause they believe in feels more connected and purposeful. I don’t think that we would have as many dedicated volunteers here at this church, and especially in the thrift shop as we do, if this were not the case.  You give generously of your time because some part of your cup is filled in return. Maybe it fills your social interaction need, or your need to be living with purpose, or your need to be active in the community, or your need to working for justice, or your need to share God’s love with others in the community who might not experience it as often. Out of the abundance of your giving, your cup can be refilled as well. 

But what about when love seems impossible? What about when our anger feels justified? What about when we feel betrayed or afraid?

Jesus still calls us to love.

He calls us to pray for the leaders we disagree with, to seek peace even in the face of conflict, and to remember that God’s grace extends even to those we find difficult to love. This doesn’t mean excusing injustice, but it does mean refusing to let bitterness take root in our hearts. It means trusting that God’s economy of love is more powerful than the world’s economy of power and division. We all have a very important role to play in spreading this love. 

If we look at the world through the lens of scarcity, we will always be afraid. But if we see through the eyes of Jesus, we recognize that love is infinite. The more we give, the more we receive. When we share real treasures—like hope, purpose, healing, and grace—they do not diminish. They multiply.

In a time when economic systems reward accumulation, Jesus tells us to give. In a world that often preaches self-interest, Jesus teaches selflessness. And when we follow his way, we find that the measure of goodness we pour out truly does overflow into our laps.

This is the invitation before us today: to step out of fear and into faith, to give generously of ourselves, to love abundantly, and to trust that God’s provision will never run out. When we ask God to fill our cup with grace, we find that it is never empty.

In difficult times, it is tempting to hold onto what we have, to be cautious, to protect ourselves. But Jesus invites us into something deeper—a radical trust in God’s abundance. It’s not about ignoring our challenges but choosing to respond with love and faith instead of fear.

When we practice this, we experience true freedom. Fear binds us, but love sets us free. The economy of the world says, “Take what you can.” The economy of Jesus says, “Give all you can, and you will find you have more than enough.”

Loving our enemies is not an easy commandment, but it is a necessary one. In a world filled with political strife, social division, and personal grievances, we have an opportunity to be living examples of the radical grace of Jesus Christ.

 

This challenge is not just for world leaders or historical figures—it is for us, in our everyday lives. So how can we practice this radical love in small but meaningful ways?

We can show patience with a difficult neighbour instead of responding in frustration. Offer a kind word even when they are rude. Assume the best about their intentions rather than holding onto resentment.

Forgive the friend who has hurt us in the past, choosing reconciliation over prolonged conflict. Take the first step toward peace, even if it means swallowing our pride. 

Resist the urge to engage in hateful or divisive arguments especially on social media these days. Instead, respond with grace, or better yet, choose to pray for the person instead of retaliating with anger. This is a hard one, especially when my dad’s cousin posts such ignorant things!!

Sometimes, the enemy we struggle to love is within. We must learn to forgive ourselves, to show ourselves grace, and to believe in the transforming power of God’s love.

 

This week, I invite you to reflect on the ways your cup has been filled with grace. Who has poured into your life with love and kindness? And how can you pour out that same grace to others—even to those you struggle to love?

May we be a people who live not by the economy of the world, but by the overflowing, unending grace of God. May we trust in the abundance of God’s love. May our cups be filled with grace, so that we can pour out love in return.

Amen.