We do not get to pick and choose what parts of the bible we will accept and what parts we will reject. Either the bible is the Holy, revealed word of God, or it is not. I know that some parts of its instructions are hard to accept. There may be a place to say that some things were applicable to the time in which they were written. However, there are certain things in its instructions that we know are for today and always.
Some of them are: “Love your enemies.” Let’s face it, the flesh prefers an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Why do I have to love someone who has chosen to do me wrong? I would much prefer to ruminate on all that they have done to me and all the bad things I wish would happen to them 😊However, when we let go of the anger and resentment we feel, we experience more inner peace. Another one is: “Bless them that curse you”. Really, I am well versed in the art of cursing 😊 I am supposed to lay aside that talent and do what…bless them? Speak a blessing over them? Ask God to bless them? Where is the satisfaction in that? The satisfaction comes from knowing that you are living at a higher spiritual level…From knowing that you are responding as Jesus would have you respond. How about “pray for those who despitefully use and persecute you.” When someone is perceived as using and persecuting us, our first response may not be to pray for them. In fact, it may be everything but that😊. However, we know that God hears and answers prayers. Praying for that person is effectively putting them in God’s hands. Let God deal with them. He says, “vengeance is mine, I will repay.” If there is a consequence that they need to pay, He will exact it.
Jesus also said, “if you love me, you will keep my commandments”. If we love Jesus and desire to please Him, we will try to live as He instructed us. How could we not love Him who suffered and died for us so that we may be redeemed from the curse of sin? He who blesses us daily and supplies all our needs. God is not looking so much for us to be perfect, as He is looking for a heart that wants to be.