If we keep reading in Luke 6, we find that Jesus was emphasizing a new way of treating those who treat us unfairly. There is no gain, he says, in doing good to those who do good to you, even evil people can do that. We are commanded to be like Him by loving our enemies, doing good to those who hate us, blessing those who curse us. Why? Because the Father is merciful to wicked and ungrateful people.
It would seem that Jesus's main point is mercy, not retribution.
What about that saying "you reap what you sow"?
Ummm...could anything be more obviously true; nature shows us that the seed you sow determines the crop you grow. Is that in the Bible too? Does it reinforce this idea of what goes around comes around?
Paul wrote to the Galatians, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows this he will also reap." (6:7) Certainly sounds like karma, doesn't it, sounds like if you sow good, good will come back to you? Is that what Paul means? Well, it sort of seems that way.
Surprise, surprise, what do you know? Paul is actually still on the flesh vs. Spirit theme. "If you sow to flesh, you reap corruption," he says, "if you sow to the Spirit, you reap eternal life." My emphasis in life is not really about whether I do good or evil per each individual deed, but whether I am serving the flesh or serving the Spirit. In other words, "Don't kid yourself, flesh cannot do anything good, and God is not fooled by your attempts." The Bible doesn't support an unknown force that will bring justice to this world according to our deeds, rather, in it, we find the truth that there is a clearly defined struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, and it is impossible for the flesh to produce the Spirit. Our job is to crucify the flesh and walk in the Spirit, everyday.
This doesn't mean that we don't need to do good. Quite the contrary, Paul exhorts the believers to not grow weary of doing good, especially in the face of suffering. But it is equally important to not be deceived by the flesh, which tries its best to make itself acceptable, to protect itself from hardship, to indulge itself in comfortable pleasures. "Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ." (v. 12) In a very authentic moment, Paul told the Romans that when he wants to do good, evil is always there (7:21). Therefore, we should walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh, "for the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace," for if you are in the flesh you can't please God. If you are walking, thinking or living "according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (8:6,13) Crucify the flesh and you won't fulfill its desires. We need to be strangling the flesh, not sowing to it and watering it.
On the other hand, Paul makes it clear that this life and peace, that we have in the Spirit, does not mean a life free of suffering. We, who are in the Spirit, share an inheritance with Christ, if we suffer with Him. We must endure suffering in this world, endure it even when exhausted, never dropping the ball in doing good, being wise to the fact that your flesh will want to take the easy way out, and that won't include doing the right thing.
Have you noticed how "the right thing" is usually not the thing you "feel" like doing when you are tired? Oh how I want to whine and say "why does it have to be so hard, God? Why don't you make it easier for me?" That's when, as my husband is fond of saying, "I just have to grow up and put my big boy pants on".
Do you expect to suffer?
Do you expect suffering to accompany doing good, doing the right thing?
Do you ever think that suffering is a good thing?
Do you ever view suffering as a blessing?
If you think that is impossible, Peter would argue that, it's not only possible, it's truth founded on Christ.
His first letter revolutionizes our view on suffering.
"when you do what is right and suffer for it, you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this very purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps," (2:20-21)
"But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed." (3:14)
(and I don't think this is a very big "if", but more like a certainty)
"For it is better if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;" (3:17-18)
(you mean this could be God's will!)
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation (or as we say today, "jump for joy"). If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God." (4:15-16)
"Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." (4:19)
Don't stop doing what is right and good, even when you suffer for it. Remember that you are entrusting yourself to your faithful Lord, and not to anyone else. Be encouraged with the hope Paul gives, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18)
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