Going that Extra Step

Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Pray: 
Lord, I want so much to do all You ask of me, but I can't do it alone. Please help me today.
Read: 
LUKE 6:27-36

[27] "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you. [32] "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Reflect: 
What reasons does Jesus give for this radical behavior?

Jesus has just been talking about heaven and getting our reward there. Now he comes back to earth with some pretty revolutionary ideas of how we should live our lives. Do to others as you would like them to do to you (31) sums it all up. If everyone did that, what a different place the world would be! But, as with most things, the best place to start is with ourselves. I quite often pause before I do something and ask myself if I would like the same treatment. If the answer is no, I try to take another course of action. It's a good habit to get into.

Action is what it's all about. We might wonder how it is possible to love our enemies (27), but the answer follows: do good to those who hate you. We all know that actions speak louder than words, and a kind deed will often cause people to think. However, this sort of behavior is just not possible in our own strength. This is where we really need Jesus at the center of our lives. Only when we are in constant communication with him can we hope to begin achieving the lifestyle he wants us to have.

Apply: 
To what enemies can and should you do good to this week? How can you put Jesus' words into practice?
Pray: 
Lord Jesus, help me to stay close to You so that I can practice what You preach and live as You teach.
Through the Bible In One Year: 
Exodus 15,16 / Psalm 17

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