In Greek Mythology, there are these monsters called Sirens. Their objective is to kill sailors who are passing by their island. These monsters are often depicted with a beautiful woman's head, and a bird's body. Sometimes they may be called mermaids. The Sirens will lure people to their death by hypnotizing them with their beautiful singing voices. In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus sailed by the Island where the sailors lived. But he knew that it would be dangerous. So to protect his men, he ordered them to plug their ears with beeswax. But Odysseus wanted to hear the beautiful voices of the Sirens. So he did not plug his own ears. However, he ordered his crew to tie him to the ship's mast.
When they past the island, the Sirens quickly hypnotized Odysseus with their beautiful voices. Odysseus tried desperately to break free from the ropes. He begged his crew to untie him. But his crew knew that Odysseus would die if he follow their voices. Eventually, the ship past beyond the mesmerizing voices of the Sirens, and the Odysseus survives.
The Beautiful voices of the Sirens can be a metaphor for temptations that may be difficult to resist, but if pursued will lead to destruction. For instance, that person offended me, so I need to get even. There must be justice. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Instead, the voice of the Savior is different and calls us to live differently. Love your enemies, bless those who persecute you, love those who hate you.
Be merciful because the Heavenly Father is merciful. When you pray, say: forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespasses again us. People will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.
Strive to live differently because you belong to God in Christ Jesus.
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