SCRIPTURE: Luke 6:27-31
In the world according to God, things run very differently.
Imagine life with Adam and Eve, how they might have handled relationships?
Though without sin, there could still be misunderstanding, miscommunication, unintended hurts, mistakes.
Would they respond with anger, smart comebacks, revenge…
No, they were trained in love, joy, peace, patience, etc., the fruit of God’s Spirit in them.
After Satan tricked and enslaved them, God’s world became a place of greed, hurt, violence, cruelty.
How does God respond to evil, greed, violence, cruelty… no, God responds in God’s way.
God’s way is to forgive, to be merciful, to love His enemies, to suffer for them… overcoming evil with good.
This is what Jesus is teaching here, and this is how He Himself lived.
By following God’s way to the bitter end (the cross), Jesus reverses the defeat in Eden and restores Adam’s position (the crown).
As followers of Jesus, we are citizens of the kingdom, reigning with Jesus according to God’s way, with God’s help!
Though never perfectly, we can more and more reflect this spirit of love and mercy, if we want to.
Do you want to live like this?
“Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not call down curses on them. Be joyful with those who are joyful. Be sad with those who are sad. Agree with each other. Don’t be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Don’t think that you are better than others. Don’t pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can. My friends, don’t try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, “I am the One who judges people. I will pay them back,” (Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. Do just the opposite. Scripture says, ‘If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads.’ (Proverbs 25:21,22) Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:14-21)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I can imagine being loving when everyone else is, but to be loving when people are mean and hurtful… This is way beyond me. I need Your Spirit to produce this love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. in me. Please help me love like You!