We sometimes hear someone say, "He/she got what they deserve." Or, "What goes around, comes around." Or even, "They will get their karma."
That is what some may be saying at work, or even in family. It is happening in my own family due to people that are going through some difficult times with people that are causing them problems.
And when they tell me about them, I want to give them my support. Agree that they are being mistreated. Right?
I might say that what goes around, comes around. And yep, I admit, I have done that.
But is that right to do? To encourage someone with words from karma, instead of what the bible says:
Jesus said: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Mathew 5:43-44
Love your enemies, bless them, do good to them, pray for them? Really? Does Jesus really expect us to do those things for our enemies?
It's easier to go the other route, for sure. We want to lash out at them. Or at least say mean things about them.
And yet, Jesus said to do just the opposite. Hard as that is.
We are reminded that Jesus does not expect us to do what he hasn't done himself.
On the cross, high above the crowd that had put him there, he said "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
None of us deserve his forgiveness. No not one of us. And yet because of his blood we have it if we have asked him for it.
Our enemies here on earth may not deserve our forgiveness either.
But it doesn't matter. Because we are still called to love, bless, do good and pray for them. We can't do those things if we don't also forgive them.
And that is a huge step up from wishing their bad karma on them, or hating them.
One that God expects of us. We would do well if we remember the following:
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