...so does this really apply to me?
Such was my initial thought as I read Luke 6 and came to the heading, "Love for Enemies". Honestly, I haven't heard anyone cursing me recently. Can't think of the last time someone struck me on the cheek. And no one wants my cloak, let alone my tunic! So, what has this passage to do with me??? But I kept reading. And God showed me my heart. I read, "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?...And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you?" (Luke 6:32&33) My mind went to those people in my life who love me, those who are easy for me to love; and to those who are good to me, to whom it is easy for me to do good. And as quickly as I smiled at the recollection of our mutual kindnesses, "What credit is that to you?" shone a light on my heart. Yes. There are people in my home and where I work who are easy to love, and for whom it is a joy to do good things. But there are some who are not. At all. In fact - while I would not call them enemies - there are some people in my life who I would rather ignore altogether. And it was right there - with that realization - that God spoke to my heart. Those people, Karen. Those are the ones I want you to love! Even when they are thoughtless and rude. Love them with My love. So it goes. I really don't believe I have enemies, but I know for sure there are people in my life who are a challenge to love. And God is calling me to love them anyway. How about you? Every day, by the grace of God!
6 comments:
Tough lesson to learn, but a reminder I needed!
We just studied this passage in family devotions the other day - so timely for what my girls are going through right now! Without the help of the Spirit it's impossible to love like that, so praise the Lord for His grace in our lives!
Amanda - I think I need to be reminded of this lesson daily.
Joanna - Praise Him, indeed.
Great message Karen! I believe real growth in our faith walk occurs within this topic--when we can truly love those around us with the love of Christ. This is definitely a challenge. I find it easier said than done at times for sure. Especially when the "enemy" is someone who appears to be purposely trying to hurt you. Only with God's strength can we love our "ememies." Well those are just some of my thoughts.
ooops, the above comment is from ***chera
Chera - Easier said than done, to be sure! It all comes back to trusting in HIM to do what we are unable to do on our own.
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