Love Like Jesus

Luke 6:27-36, “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Some time ago I served a church that was ‘club-like’ in its context. If you weren’t from around there you were an outsider. If you were from around there but they ‘knew’ something about you, you could also be an outsider. If your skin wasn’t the right color or if you married outside your race, you were really an outsider. They were uncomfortable with helping the homeless and hungry. Many thought those who didn’t have a home or food were ‘bums’ trying to take advantage of hard-working folks. One circumstance arose where I had helped a husband and wife quite a bit and finally one of the church members wanted to know from me, “How many times you gonna let ‘em slap you in the face?” I didn’t smile all the while feeling a cold chill run down my spine. I finally spoke, “Seventy times seven that’s what Jesus tells us to do.” Jesus said simply, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Prayer: Father, thank You for today and thank You for Jesus. Help us to love as Jesus loved and teaches us to love. That love first came from You. We pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.