Read Luke 6:32-36
Loving Like This Is Going Too Far!
Jesus gets done saying love your enemies. Reflecting the love of Jesus is real in our lives when it is displayed to everyone and not just a select few. Jesus said that if you love and do good to just those who love and do good to you, what is the big deal about that? Anyone could love and do good to a select few. Even sinners can do that. A love that demonstrates a pure and transforming love is the kind that loves and does good even to one’s enemies.
Jesus even says to lend to your enemies without expecting to get anything in return. Your reward will be great in heaven and you will be children of the most high God because you exemplify his qualities: His kindness and mercy to both the unkind and wicked.
To live like this means embracing all of who God is and exemplifying an unconditional love and mercy to others. To live like this forces us to not put so much value on things of this world and more value on people, especially those who don’t know the Lord or those who are our enemies. To live like this means we no longer look at our enemies as one to hate but look at them as opportunities to show Christ’s love while expecting nothing in return. This kind of love empties ourselves of all “SELF!” This kind of love means not making life always about ourselves but demonstrating a love that makes it all about others.
Dear Lord, empty me of all selfishness, pride, arrogance, bitterness, hate, and unforgiveness! Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to be humble, selfless, and demonstrate your love, mercy, and kindness that is so giving to others that I don’t expect anything in return. Help me demonstrate this love to everyone, and I mean everyone!
