But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great... {Verses 27-35}
How easy it is to love those who love you, do good to those who are good to you and lend to those whom you will receive credit. Jesus challenges us as believers to be Christ-like by being merciful, for God is "kind to the ungrateful and the evil." [Verse 35]. Who is the Holy Spirit asking you to love, bless, pray for and do good for? Who in your life would you rather ignore? Who do you know that gives you a hard time? Jesus is teaching us to love those people. Bless those people. Pray for those people. At first, it might be difficult- heck, it might seem impossible. But I believe God will present you an opportune moment now that you have read this and have someone on your mind to apply this truth with. Ask God for the strength to not retaliate with your words. Ask God for the ability to forgive. I know from experience that the person on your mind might not think twice about your kindness toward them, but it will change your heart. This is how God prunes us. He shows us a truth and asks us to apply it. It may take some practice, but as we let God's truth be real in us, it transforms us at the same time. I have also experienced the person be caught off guard by the kindness bestowed on them despite their behavior, and I tell you what- only Jesus gets the credit for that. Because we all know, that by our flesh we are not kind to those who are jerks. In fact, two years ago, I would have let my mouth fly at anyone who ticked me off. That, my friends, is my flesh. To show grace and mercy when it is not deserved, is a gift that only Jesus can do through you. [Read an example of this in my life here]
If you read this text today and ignore it, then you are the audience to which Jesus says in verse 46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you?" I want to expand on this verse- but if you read it honestly and meditate on what it says, I think it speaks loud enough.
Brothers and Sisters, I love you and I am so honored to be on this journey with you. There is much to learn and obey in Scripture- some which you will obey without a flinch and some that you will resist as long as you can. Any procrastination of obedience is not obedience at all. It's disobedience. I'm not sure why I feel so strongly about this chapter- more specifically this text for my readers today, but know that I am on my knees asking God to change hearts today.
Amen.
~Leanne~
If you read this text today and ignore it, then you are the audience to which Jesus says in verse 46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you?" I want to expand on this verse- but if you read it honestly and meditate on what it says, I think it speaks loud enough.
Brothers and Sisters, I love you and I am so honored to be on this journey with you. There is much to learn and obey in Scripture- some which you will obey without a flinch and some that you will resist as long as you can. Any procrastination of obedience is not obedience at all. It's disobedience. I'm not sure why I feel so strongly about this chapter- more specifically this text for my readers today, but know that I am on my knees asking God to change hearts today.
Amen.
~Leanne~
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