Devotion:
Read Luke 6:27-32.
On the Church/Christian calendar, we do not spend much time with Jesus as a baby or as a child; neither do the Gospel books about his life. The focus is on his ministry among us as an adult - his teaching, his death and resurrection.
This passage is a good example of the depths and challenge of his teaching. This chapter contains material that we find in Matthew’s Gospel in what is known as “The Sermon On The Mount.” However, Luke introduces this teaching section this way in verse 17: “He went down with them and stood on a level place.” Luke then shares some of the beatitudes from Jesus, but also some “woes” to those who “have it good” in this life. Then comes our text for today.
In my opinion, this is the height of Jesus’ teaching, the peak of what it means to be a Christian. “Love your enemies” does not mean you agree with them or approve of their ways. They may continue to be your enemy. But Jesus says the way you love them is to “do good...bless…(and) pray” for them. He sums it up with the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Jesus invites disciples then and now to put into practice the love of God that Jesus showed to everyone. He grew from a baby to a teacher who challenged all of us to go beyond what everybody else does, to constantly mature in our love for God and people. Is your love for people (even your enemies) growing?
Personal Worship Option:
Consider this prayer: God whose love is higher and deeper than I can understand, help me to continue to grow in my love for other people, including even my enemies, that I might more closely resemble you and help others come to know you. Amen.
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