March 19
2019
Who do you Love?
But if you love those who love you, what credit 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 credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.” Luke 6:32-35
It is easy to be kind to those who are kind to you.
It is easy to be generous to those who are generous in return.
But that is not what we are called to. We are called to love those who don’t love us; to be kind and generous to those who are not kind and generous to us.
How often do we extend a loving hand to someone only to have it pushed back at us?
How often, then, do we follow that up with another loving hand extended to that same person?
How often are we generous to someone who appears unthankful?
How often, then, do we follow that up with further generosity to that same person?
We are a society who often gives first chances and sometimes even second chances to allow people to respond to us in a positive way, but after that, we often withdraw and withhold.
Jesus calls us to love our enemies. Jesus calls us to be generous to others without expectation.
We are called to love.
Real love is extended indiscriminately and without thought of what we will receive in turn.
We love others because they are made in the image of God.
We love others because of their inherent worth as created beings.
And because we love others, we respond to them with kindness and generosity.
Reach out and really love someone today!
Question for Discussion Group:
What has your experience been with being kind/generous to those who may not or cannot reciprocate?