“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 6:35 NKJ)
Radical behavior! Now, there’s a concept that needs unwrapping for most of us. The concept of “undeserving love” is set forth in the Lord’s Class on Christianity that we call the sermon on the mount. Luke expands it somewhat and gives it clarity .
It is easy for us to follow the example of human beings around us. Hollywood sets forth examples. Commerce sets forth examples. We can find gurus of every stripe who call us to follow their examples. Yet, Jesus of Nazareth simply pointed us toward the Father’s example. He is kind to the unthankful and evil individuals.
For us, that is radical behavior. In order to follow the Father’s example, we have to submit ourselves to his attitude seen in our Savior’s example (Philippians 2:5-8), We have to learn new thinking as set forth by Paul the Apostle (Romans 12:2).
Of course, I am not claiming such transformation to be easy, at first. It certainly takes a spiritual makeover for any human being to faithfully follow the Lord’s teachings. But He promised two blessings would result for those who did. One, they would be called “sons of the Most High” (i.e., children of God). And two, they would receive great reward.
“Love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them, without expecting anything in return.” What a challenge! What love!
Dear Father, thank you for loving us and doing good to us even when we were still your enemies. Enable us to be transformed that we will truly follow your example. This I ask in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today and follow Christ’s radical example,