This morning’s Sunday school send off is a reflection of how Jesus wasn’t as anti-establishment as his contemporaries may have thought in his own day. Luke 6:27 says “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies. Do good to them which hate you.” Last Sunday in class we learned that this actually wasn’t a new idea. In the old testament, Exodus 23:4-5 said the same thing about how to treat those who are vehemently against us. Man, Jesus was masterful at tying the old and new together. That is, after all, why He came into the world.

Another thing I learned that I think you will also find valuable is how you can bless the Lord or other people. You’ve probably heard these themes in some of your favorite Christian music and maybe even heard some of your church friends say them. But maybe you’ve never really thought of it more than things that people just say.

Or maybe you’ve said to yourself “Wait a minute, I can’t bless God or people. He blesses us. Aren’t we making ourselves Godlike to say such a thing?” No we’re not. The fact is that the word bless means to “speak well of”. That same chapter in Luke, verse 28 says “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” It’s an attitude check for us to speak well of and do well by people who we otherwise might not think worthy of nice treatment. Psalm 34:1 is the classic reference to blessing God Himself.

Why are we obligated to such things? Luke 6:35c-36 explains it. “For he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as you Father is also merciful.”

Our Lord and Saviour is telling us how to act folks. Now, how are you going to carry it out the other six days of the week? Enjoy these clips from Byron Cage and Donnie McClurkin and meditate on your way to the sanctuary this morning.