The Courage to Love Beyond Measure

Gospel: Luke 6:27–38

Freedom and healing come when we choose forgiveness over resentment.

Jesus teaches His disciples to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, bless those who curse them, and forgive generously. He also calls them to live with mercy and generosity, reflecting the Father's boundless love.

Loving those who love us is easy, but Jesus calls us to something far greater: to love our enemies, forgive those who hurt us, and give without expecting anything in return. It may sound impossible, because everything in us wants to protect ourselves, hold on to what’s ours, and push back against those who wound us. Our instinct is to measure love carefully, giving only where it feels safe or deserved. Yet it is in here, in our weakness, that Jesus invites us to embrace a new identity as children of a merciful Father.

This form of radical love doesn't ignore pain or pretend injustice doesn't exist. It reflects the boundless mercy of God, who loves us despite our flaws. Jesus asks us to stop seeking revenge and embrace a new way of living, a life that is grounded in generosity, mercy, and grace.

When we choose to forgive, bless instead of curse, and give without counting the cost, we reflect God’s character. It may feel like a loss in the moment when we choose to forgive, but we soon find that this is where true abundance lies. “Give, and it will be given to you… a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over.”

What does this kind of forgiveness look like in real life? For someone who has suffered from CPTSD like me, life is pretty difficult. Dealing with all those flashbacks and nightmares due to child abuse and extreme bullying is no easy task. During my time going through therapies, I kept trying to find answers to why I kept remembering those events, and carrying hatred towards those who hurt me in the past. Over time, I learned that forgiving them gave me a form of peace. I don't deny that I still remember all those bad memories from years ago as if they happened yesterday. Some of us even say, "We just don't forgive and forget." While I agree that we don't forget, I believe life might get easier if we try to forgive.

Today’s Gospel challenges us to measure our lives by what we give in mercy, forgiveness, and love instead of by what we keep.

May this reflection encourage you today, and let its light flow gently outward, like a blessing passed along.