"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven." Mt. 5:44-45
Hi there.
Last time, I shared with you the Parable of Jose and Wally; a parable that reveals to us the importance of transformation from being “fair” into “unfairness”.
Today, let us discover the benefits of “unfairness” and how this kind of spirituality can really help us to allow ourselves to love others and be generous.
WARNING: By the way, by reading this post, you are reminding yourself on how to live as a Christian and so you will be liable and responsible if you will never practice them into your life. I warn you, that if you do not want to practice Christianity, please stop reading this post and Click Here for you to go out.
WARNING 2: If you dare to stop reading this, something will happen to you. WEEEHHH? Just kidding! I just hope you will continue reading or at least find time to read this next time.
WARNING 3: Do not believe people who sends emails and text messages with this kind of “black mail” propaganda for thier personal gain. It’s really bad for your mental health.
Lessons from a Mountaineering Guru
Ok. Let’s continue.
Are you familiar with Mt. 5:38-43? Did you know that Jesus likes Hiking?
One time while on top of a “mountain” he taught his disciples great lessons in life:
In a loud voice he said:
If someone hurts you- don’t take revenge.
If someone slaps you on the right cheek- let him slaps you on the left cheek too.
If someone gets your shirt with force- give also willingly your coat.
If someone asks you to carry his things one mile- carry it two miles.
If someone asks you for something- give it.
If someone wants to borrow from you- (don’t hide) lend it to him. (and never ask to return it)
If you have an enemy- love him.
Maybe we find this wow, sassy, commendable, smooth, beautiful, inspiring, saintly… but in real life (when we're already in the situation) we also shout out for the world to hear: THIS IS UNFAIR!!!!!!!!!!
And the echo back fires and fading: UNFAIR, UNFAIR, UNFAIR, FAIR, FAIR, AIR, IR, R…..
The Spirituality of Unfairness: “I’m Just Being Fair!” Vs. “I Just Want To Be Generous!”
Yes for most of us, we think that these lessons from Christ are “unfair”. That is why many of us have this kind of self imposed philosophy:
“Lintik lang ang walang ganti!” (I’ll take revenge!)
“Why am I going to say sorry, she’s the one at fault?”
“Sisiguraduhin kong pagbabayaran nya ang lahat ng ginawa nya!” (I’ll make him pay!)
“Di ako Diyos para magpatawad!” (I'm not God to forgive!)
“Babangon ako’t dudurugin kita!” (I’ll get up and you’ll see!)
“Utang mo, bayaran mo!” (Pay what you owe me or else…)
“Bakit ko yan pahihiramin, di ko naman yan “friend”? (He’s not my friend why am I going to give him a favor?)
When we listen to this voices and not to the Spirituality of Unfairness: The capacity (power) to “extend beyond what is normally "just" for ourselves”, it will really be impossible for us to develop the spirituality of generosity.
Jesus already warned us:
If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners do that! Lk 6:32-33
See, if we will not act “unfair” or be generous to our enemies or to people who hurt and debt us, we will never truly be a follower of Christ and worst, we will never experience abundantly the blessings that come from Him.
But, the thing is:
If we will generously love our enemies, we will be called children of God. Mt. 5: 45 Therefore, whatever our Heavenly Father has, we will also own it like Jesus Christ. Rm. 8:17
Choose to Give!
I know you’re asking me now if this kind of spirituality is possible for us humans. Or maybe you’re wondering is it still practical nowadays to act generously where we see poverty, price hike, injustices, crime, corruptions, etc. all over the country.
My friend, this is what I believed:
All human beings are very good and have the capacity to be generous. No exemption!
But the sad thing is that some of us do not allow this goodness and generosity to come out. Why?
Because we are afraid and we let our fear wins our hearts.
Now, try to evaluate yourself if you have experienced these reasons why there were times you failed to give.
The Top 5 Reasons Why People Do Not to Give
1. People think that they have nothing to give.
2. People think that there is nothing enough for them.
3. People think that they cannot gain something from giving.
4. People think that they will be abused and cannot get “even”.
5. People think that they will be refused and misinterpreted.
When you allow these reasons to control you, you are hindering yourself to be generous. And the saddest part is: you’re not becoming who you really are - a very good and generous being like God!
God says:
Let us now create man in our own image and likeness.” Gen 1:26
Allow yourself to be like God and you’ll be Generous like Him.
Still not convinced? Watch this news clip from 24 ORAS, an evening news program aired on March 9, 2012 in the Philippines.
Did you hear what the rider have said:
“Kung nakaya ko ngang tanggapin ang kanyang mga sapak, hindi hamak na mas madali para sa akin na tanggapin ang kanyang paghingi ng tawad!” (If I was able to take the pain caused by his punches; then, it’s easier for me now to accept his apology)
What? Is he in his proper mind? O baka masyado lang nakalog ang ulo nya kaya nasabi yon.” (Or he just suffered a head trauma)
Yes, if you think like the world thinks, you’ll probably say: “This is unfair and He’s out of his mind!”
But when you think like the Mountaineer Guru thinks: “This is “unfair”, and He’s really on his proper mind!”
Listen my friend,
Choose to give and forgive!
Have you noticed the word “give” is also in the word “forgive”.Yes, you cannot forgive without giving, and you cannot give without forgiving!
Now, allow yourself to give.
Allow yourself to love others.
This is God’s image.
This is your image!
Let us pray:
Lord, you taught me that by giving, we receive. Help me understand and practice giving well, so that I can love myself and others well. Amen.
May you live an inspiring and generous life!
P.S.: I dedicate this post to all ACT and IT instructors and graduating students of Lyceum Subic. Thanks guys for your generosity.
