Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
When I was younger, I remember waking up early with dad to play one of my favourite games at the time, Battlefront 2 on the X-Box. For context, Battlefront 2 is a shooter game set in the Star Wars universe, and my family are diehard Star Wars fans. But that isn’t the point, the point is when I was playing the game I stumbled across an interesting situation. I had crouched down in a bush with a teammate, and suddenly a storm trooper (the bad guys) had found our hiding spot. He crouched down and shot my teammate, and then aimed at me.
I already had my crosshair [the sight on a gun] aimed right between his eyes, but I faltered. I had every reason to shoot him, but even in the most dire of times I would not sacrifice my morals and what I stood for. He shot me soon after, and went on to hunt others. I find myself looking back on that memory quite a bit, despite how vague or out of place it is. From that day on, whenever I was in a tough situation, I would think about that time. I remind myself that even when I am at the brink of erupting, and either lashing out with my words or my fists, even if they had it coming, I shouldn’t pull the trigger. I wouldn’t pull the trigger, because there is a way out and a next time. Ω
Reflect: When you are on the brink of erupting, what do you do? What words, tools or images help you exercise self-control? What recalls you to gentleness?
What is this? Lent is the 40 days, excluding Sundays, before Easter. Traditionally it is a time of reflection and pilgrimage. To help you on this journey, Sanctuary has put together 40 stories from people both within and beyond the congregation, with associated questions for reflection and prayer. A reading will be uploaded every day of Lent. This year’s theme is Fruit of the Spirit. Why? Read this. #Lent2022. Real People, Real Stories: 40 Readings for Lent © Sanctuary, 2022.
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