Just when you thought it was enough that Jesus told us to love our 
enemies, his words once again go straight to the heart. He told the disciples to do to others those things that they would like others to do towards them. And, then went on to show them how.
When I was growing up I thought this principle was just called the “golden rule.” I had no idea that it came from the mouth of Jesus Christ. Think about what you would want people to do to you…Would you want people to be kind? gentle? understanding? Do you care if people judge you? How about if they hurt you through accusations or unfair and unkind words?
Jesus taught the disciples that it was not enough to just love those that love you back. Any sinner can love to get love in return. Jesus was holding out a different idea, a higher place to live in….living as sons and daughters of the Most High. I like the idea of learning to live as a daughter of the Most High!
Today’s Truth: Luke 6: 35-37
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
- Do good to your enemies
- Do not expect repayment of kindness or good given to anyone
- Live to Please God and look forward to His reward for your obedience
- Live as His daughter, imitating Him
- Be merciful
- Do not judge
- Do not condemn
- Forgive
- Give, and the measure you use, will be measured back to you by God.
Admitedly this is a lot to think about. Especially when added to yesterdays:
- Love
- Do Good
- Bless
- Pray
But, aren’t relationships the place where we learn to walk out our faith? How we interact with people, even the most difficult ones, becomes the learning ground of our Christian experience. People are important to God, so learning to live in Christ in our relationships is one of the most practical of all things.
Join me marinating in the above key points from Christ’s Words in Luke.
Print this, read them, re-read them, pray them….
Tomorrow we refresh our minds on the subject of FORGIVENESS.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I am asking you to teach me how to love others. Show me how to do good to others, blessing them and remembering to pray for them. Teach me the importance of being merciful, not judging and refusing to condemn. And, show me the importance of forgiveness. I need you.
