Scripture: Luke 6:35-37
Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have a great reward. You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people. Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. “Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Thought for the Day: Some of the most disturbing words in scripture, and for that reason, overlooked words in scripture are: “…for he (the Most High God) is kind to ungrateful and wicked people.” I recently listened to three sermons, one on tv and two online, that made absolutely no sense in light of these words from Luke 6. I know that I’m a bit strange that way, but I am curious what is being preached in the world. There is a lot of amazing, grace-filled preaching done by some amazing and spirit-filled people. But there is, in my opinion, a lot of angry judgmental chatter that would have a difficult time holding up its own against these very clear and profound words. Frankly, I think these words are ignored because they are hard. Yet this is a central moment in the teaching of Jesus. Luke 6 is, along with the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew’s Gospel, one of the most clear statements of the Jesus-life. Maybe we’re not all that kind or compassionate to other people because we do not believe God is all that kind or compassionate. It’s easier to think of God as constantly ticked off and spiteful. To think that way provides cover to act poorly toward others. The problem lies in the fact that God is the One who first loved us, even while we were among the ungrateful and even wicked folks. That’s what makes Jesus and his message Good News for everyone.
Prayer: For the generosity of your kindness, O Most High God, I express my true joy and appreciation. May I accept such a gift, but also come to appreciate it as the model you have set forth for all of humanity. I ask this in the name of Jesus, the one who showed to the world your love first approach. Amen.
SUNDAY’S SERMON:
Know The First Step
