Verse Thoughts
Human nature generally indicates that we are able to love the people who love us. Loving those that love us comes naturally. But Jesus tells us that if you only love those that love you, there is no credit connected with this, in God’s divine administration.
Loving, lending and giving to others, too often has an ulterior motive. Financial institutions, for example, only lend to those they are confident will repay. When we lend to others, there is generally an expectation that they will repay it back. This may be the way of the world, but Jesus introduced a heavenly standard.
Jesus called upon us to love our enemies as well as our friends. We are to love our adversaries and pray for those that hurt us. We are to love those that oppose us and are hostile towards us and we are told to do good to them.
Jesus even calls us to not only do good but to lend to others, while expecting nothing in return. This is not normal human behaviour, but is unmistakably the conduct the Lord expects from a Christian, who is honouring Him in their action towards others.
May the love and grace of Christ so fill our hearts, that we manifest the divine love of God to others, in word and in deed, and become a beautiful reflection of Christ Jesus our Saviour, and bring honour and glory to His holy name
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, my own, human love is found wanting, and without the love of Christ flowing through me, I am incapable of living as You would have me to live.
Fill me day by day with the love of Christ, so that I may love my enemies, pray for those that despitefully use me, and show goodness and grace to others in need. Help me to reflect the godly characteristics of Christ in my everyday life, to His praise and glory. This I ask in His precious name, AMEN.
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/luke-6-35
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