You describe your faith as a relationship with me, and you are right. I portrayed this in my teaching on earth in many ways, in the story of the Good Samaritan, and in my acceptance of the Centurion, the woman at the well, and the Syro-Phoenician woman, among others. I showed favor to those outside of the conventional practice of faith, and criticized those at the top of the religious dominance hierarchy. I commended relationship but conducted my ministry as an outsider to the religious establishment.

I teach you to love your enemies. How do you go about this? Do you find it is easier to do in the abstract than in the concrete? Do you understand that the commandment to heap coals of fire on their heads is to be taken figuratively rather than literally? Do your enemies know that you love them? They should if you do this in real tangible ways rather than just as mental assent. Does this require you to donate money and support for people and organizations you do not agree with?

Are you familiar with the story of the wheat and the tares? They were allowed to grow together side by side until the time of the harvest when they were separated. This story is presented on a large scale with the separation taking place at the time of harvest, or at the end of the age. Could it be applied on a smaller scale as well? Can you distinguish between beneficial things in your own life that you should nurture and care for, and tares that consume time and resources, energy and attention and produce no value?

Paul wrote a letter telling a church that he was with them in spirit, even though he was absent in the body. Have you ever done this? It is easier said than done. Paul was referring to more than well-wishing from afar. How much more is open to debate. Have you ever been present in body while absent in spirit? This is so commonplace today that most of the people you meet only expect clouded or distracted presence and that is all they have to offer. Are you working on being present in spirit with others as Paul did? Start by being present in spirit where you are present in your body.