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 children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:32-36, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context:
Yesterday we discussed why it is appropriate for Christians to rejoice and give thanks for the opportunity to serve. We had great comments on the topic. Thanks to all who contributed. One of our commentators pointed out that serving people can be very difficult at times, and we will consider that reality today.
To paraphrase a theologian named Ken Bailey, “Many Christians are excited about serving people until they have to interact with those they serve.” Serving people who have different value systems, or who have qualities we don’t like is unlikely to spark rejoicing and thanksgiving. However, Christians are called to a very high standard.
Bible Passages:
In our Bible passage today, Jesus articulates a standard for service that is quite high.
Please study the passage and consider the question below.
Question:
In the Scripture passage above, what does Jesus say that should encourage believers to serve with rejoicing and thanksgiving even when those being served are “enemies”?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
March 21, 2023 at 7:45 am
Jesus wants us to love our enemies do good and lend to them so that our reward will be great and we’ll be children of the Most High. I can’t identify any enemies in my life, however there are people who take for granted my generosity and at times I ponder on the futility of why should I keep giving. But at those times I recognize that it’s just my pride that comes into place, and usually I’m convicted with this verse that Jesus wants me to do good anyway.
March 21, 2023 at 9:22 am
Very difficult to comprehend ,love your enemies.
Still trying to love “unlovable” people.
To be honest it is difficult but if that is what he wants will keep trying.
The world will definitely be a better place.
March 21, 2023 at 11:19 am
For example, How to love someone who has neglected, verbally abused & withheld medical care for their 90+yrs mother, whose business the person has inherited? How to love someone who purposely physically harm others, whether an adult or a child? Can pray for them but how to love them? I know we have all sinned and fallen short and the need to forgive…’forgive us as we forgive those who trepass against us’….Will keep praying for insight and the help of the Holy Spirit.
March 21, 2023 at 1:10 pm
I guess, we have to resolve our issues first before we can truly rejoice in serving others. What I mean is, it is easy to say love your enemies and serve others for this is what God tells us to do, but if we don’t acknowledge first our sinfulness , our shortcomings or the wrong things we’ve done or said to people we disagree with, or hate, then we cannot serve God at all. God sees our hearts, so it’s important that we mend or apologize to people we’ve hurt or have issues with , only then we can serve God through the many ministries at church or the people in the community. You will find it more fulfilling to serve others if first, your relationship with the Lord is on the right track, by repenting and being redeemed from your sins, that way, you can certainly serve God humbly. God can see everything even your intention and motives. Right relationship with Christ is the key to serving God through others. When you’re humble enough to understand your weakness, as well as your sins/mistakes , then it is easy to understand and serve the needs of others. Also having cheerful and grateful heart will make it easier to serve others which is only possible if there is a stable and constant fellowship with the one who created us , Jesus Christ our Lord. Our purpose is to serve Him and others with a joyful heart.
March 22, 2023 at 10:15 am
In the Bible passage, the encouraging thing Jesus says is, “Then your reward will be great and you will be children of the most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
If we strive to be like Jesus, then we will strive to “love our enemies”, and we can take solace in knowing we will be rewarded greatly.
It’s still not easy to love and serve our enemies.