Scripture:
Luke 6:32-36 NKJV
[32] “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] 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. [35] 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. [36] Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Observation:
It took me a minute to decide to write on this scripture, and honestly, I’m still not sure I want to do it. But I believe I have been led by the Holy Spirit to do so. This is one of the most recognized points in time when Jesus spoke to the crowd. Reading this sermon from start to finish takes about 10 minutes. I can only imagine what it would have been like to be sitting in the crowd as it was spoken. In the side conversations that were going on, did you hear that HE said we have to love our enemies? Wait, did HE just say to do good to those who have treated you wrong and to bless those who have hurt you? Here in verse 32 of chapter 6 in the book of Luke, Jesus brings his point to the surface. It’s easy to love those who love you. Those who are a joy to be around. But what does that do for your character? That’s not hard at all. The reward is minimal and something that anyone can do. But what Jesus is saying is that the hard stuff is where the payoff is. Sinners love those who love them. Try loving someone who is mean to you. Giving without expectations of getting anything back. The root of what is being said is in verses 35 and 36. Love your enemies and do good to them, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. I believe this is the key, “for HE is kind to the unthankful and the evil.” GOD is merciful. Jesus Christ is the proof of that, so HIS instructions are to show mercy because we have been shown mercy
Application:
Who is it that GOD wants you to love? Well, I can give you a hint. It’s not the easy ones. I can’t tell you how many times GOD has placed a difficult person in my path and said, “Love this one.” Someone who no one else can work with. Someone who has run off everyone who has given their best efforts to satisfy a person who can not be satisfied. The crazy thing is that Jesus did not tell us to do anything that HE did not give us a living example of. HE loved those who did not love HIM and without expectations of a return. Yet while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Loving the difficult ones always tests your character and challenges you to put your emotions aside. I’m just going to be honest I have a situation in my life all the time where GOD has placed a difficult person in front of me. Someone whom everyone else has run from. Someone who is never satisfied and has run off everyone else who has worked with them… and my first instinct is to run as well. This person is a hard case, and honestly, I just want to drop the whole situation, and I am within my right to do so. Love is a choice it’s something we do that is not easy. In fact, it can be very difficult. The world has taught us that love is an emotion. But it’s not. It’s an action. To love someone who does not love you and honestly tries to bully you is a hard choice, but it has to be made, and the rewards are great in the kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, what you ask us to do is not always easy. Laying down ourselves and putting someone else above our emotions is not an easy task. But you have shown us how in the actions that your son displayed on HIS path to the cross. People are difficult to love, especially those who treat us wrong. So what we are asking for is for you to fill us with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The fruit that stems from love. That’s where it all starts. Father, give us wisdom on how to approach these situations so that our emotions are not what makes our decisions for us. We want to live in a manner that brings you glory. We want to live according to your word. Guide us in the way that only you can. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.