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. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:35-36)
I always hated letting my brother borrow stuff. I just never knew what sort of condition it would be in when he returned it. And that wasn't the only reason I hesitated. Even though he was my brother, I had a tendency to view him as an enemy—pretty typical for siblings, I guess. Of course, I didn't have this problem when it came to my friends. I was quick to let them use my things. I also liked to do nice things for them, something that rarely crossed my mind when it came to my brother.
It's fairly painless to do nice things for people we get along with. But when it comes to those who get on our nerves or those who are downright mean, showing kindness typically isn't our first response. Yet that's the type of kindness Jesus was talking about in these verses. It must have seemed pretty illogical to those he was teaching. And it was. Loving an enemy just doesn't make any sense. Then again, neither does God's kindness, which was the point Jesus was trying to make.
Through this teaching Jesus was also pointing out that true kindness is impossible unless God does some work in our hearts. Remember that the next time you have to deal with someone you don't like. Showing them kindness may seem completely unrealistic, but with God all things are possible. And he will never expect you to do it alone.
What About You?
- Think of people in your life who you don't like or have trouble getting along with. Why should you show them kindness? How can you show them kindness?
- The next time an "enemy" does something that annoys you, try to understand why they might be acting that way. Maybe they're hurting. Maybe they need you to look past their frustrating behavior and show them love.
- Ask God to help you find practical ways to show grace to your enemies. Also ask God for wisdom so that you can discern when and how it is appropriate to do so. James 1:5 Sometimes prayer for your enemies may be the kindest, most loving and most graceful thing you can do. Luke 6:28.
Posted by: Keturah
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