32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (Luke 6:32-36, NLT)
It is easy; to say I love you than to live this out every day. Still, God expects us to love as He loves us. It includes our enemies as well. In this Scripture, we learn the essence of love. It requires a deep depth of affection and concern for someone. In this verse, God encourages us to love our enemies. These are those who have hurt us, mistreated us, and even caused decremental harm to us. It is painless to love your spouse, children, and friends. But what about the person who did the unforgivable? Can you be good to them with no evil intentions towards them? Yet, it is what the Lord demands from us.
I think of politicians who look for a quick pro quo. I’ll do this for you, but I want something in return. But this is not what God considered love because even the worst person can do good in return for a good deed. This kind of love calls for unconditional acts of kindness when somebody has done the worst to you. How can you love the unlovable? Still, God commands us to do so without expecting anything in return. So, the only means to do this is to follow the example of God. It calls for us to walk in compassion and forgive the unforgivable. Likewise, to look out for the best of others even when they did everything to cause us to render evil for evil. When; it is during their greatest need, and; it is in our power to do so, the Lord calls for us to give. Even if; this is a financial blessing to someone unworthy of such gracious deeds.
The Lord never picked and chose who He loved. He loved everybody regardless of the awful things they did. When Jesus hung on the cross, the Lord decided to forgive, although Christ had all power to destroy. In Luke 23:34, He said; Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. They crucified Jesus, though Pilate nor Herod found any fault in Him. Still, the chief Priest and the rulers of the people insisted on His demise. So, Pilate sentenced the Lord without a justifiable cause. They scourged Him and placed a crown of thorns on His head. The flogging alone was excruciating as it ripped open His flesh. They humiliated Christ and nailed Him to the cross. (John 19:1-19; 23-30). His response was to pardon them and not hold them accountable for their brutal actions and sin. He died for them. How do you make sense of such an honorable act when your offenders falsely accuse you and it results in your death?
I know; I don’t know what that person did to you. You could have lasting effects that may haunt you all your life. You are tired of giving, blessing, and only getting hurt. Likewise, you believe you have the right to get even and hope they get what is coming to them. Beloved, unforgiveness will suck; the joy from you, and you’ll never experience peace. Regardless of how hard it is, forgive and love your enemies because in so doing, you show them what genuine love is all about. It does not matter how they responded because it’s about the heart’s posture. The best way to show the love of God is when you find it the hardest thing to do.
Let us act like the Lord and love them even when it is hard to do. Besides, this will minister to them and could be the only way to penetrate their hardened hearts. Sometimes, you must love the worst out of them, so save their soul by loving them. It will make God proud! And who knows, you may gain a friend.
I pray the musical selection; Hallelujah for The Cross by Chris McClarney stirs your heart and faith in God.
Can you encourage somebody today? Please leave a comment on how this devotional encouraged you. Hit that star, and share.
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