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| The Beatitudes Sermon (by James Tissot) |
During a September 2011 interview with Prestige magazine, Miley Cyrus spoke frankly about her difficulties with being in the public eye 24/7. She didn’t discredit her popularity, yet explained: I’ve obviously been very blessed, but with every blessing there’s a curse.
One of the “curses” quite literally occurred during her recent
vacation in Costa Rica. The Nation reports that she and boyfriend Liam Hemsworth were vacationing in Costa Rica “when a group of fans approached them for photos and autographs…” After cordially complying, Miley had to get going. At that point, one of the group cursed at her. Miley’s initial reaction was to curse back. The incident yielded international headlines and viral videos. Miley later “defended her actions via Twitter” and wrote: I can’t tolerate that kind of rudeness.
For the record, few people can.
And yet, some of the most famous biblical passages sound like this: Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:28)… But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)… A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)… Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong; but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
These quotes are not meant to be finger-pointing jabs at any one of us, but rather reminders to many of us that loving thy enemy is central to the Christmas message. But how can we humans accomplish this feat – especially when it often seems difficult enough to act loving with friends and family?
Practicing this skill (and it is – at least in part – a skill that can be developed) can help. Doing good to those who hate you and praying for those who mistreat you are not signs of weakness – but are rather signs of ultimate strength.
Resources
http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/62503901.html
http://nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/entertainment/23-Dec-2011/miley-cyrus-defends-fan-outburst
http://bible.cc/matthew/5-44.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sermon_on_the_Plain
Copyright December 24, 2011 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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