Do Not Receive Falsehoods

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters–yes, even their own life–such a person cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26

Jesus calls me to have a complete and limitless love for Him such that my love for my own life dissipates in that glow. He calls me to live in that love for Him and only Him. “Hate” is a compelling word. It tells me that Jesus is keenly aware of the immense influence others have over me. Following Jesus requires detachment from all else.

I can be deeply affected by the words and actions of others, but Jesus doesn’t call me to be vulnerable to their whims and emotions, he calls me to be wholly receptive to Him.  When I keep my mind vigilant for Jesus, I do not allow His flawless truth to be supplanted by falsehoods.

How many days have I turned away from Jesus to brood over curses and lies, my foolish, misguided attention potentially hatching them into my life? I hate and renounce the power I give others to seduce, manipulate and alter what Jesus has told me is truth. But Jesus tells me to do good to them and bless them, pray that they come to love Jesus. Love them as Jesus loves them, but don’t hang on their words.  Hear only Jesus.

 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28