"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them ... But love your enemies, and do good ... expecting nothing in return ... be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:32, 35-36 ESV).
These verses direct the follower of Jesus Christ to doing good even to those one would not be naturally inclined to help. Helping an enemy in distress is generally not on a person's agenda but we followers are commanded to be merciful as our Father is.
Like Father, like son (or daughter), but it's a tough call for sure! Who wants to be of service to "thorns in our flesh"? I don't know about you but it takes effort in my heart, like a wrestling match, as to which attitude will come to the fore.
Will it be a turning away, will it be a reluctant giving of help, or will with the grace of God and the bestowing of mercy, giving with a willing, cheerful helping hand? Pray that the Christ like attitude and action will win out.
Why?
Because God loves those enemies even as much as He loves me. The downtrodden, infirm, and poor also need our love and care. God's people are the ones to fulfill such needs.
Abba Father, thank You for Your love and care. Your mercy is even upon us as is Your gracious hand. As Your children, help us to do as Jesus would. After all we too were once Your 'enemies' but You gave Your all, for us. May Your Holy Spirit mold and shape us to be more like Your son Jesus. May our natural bent be to love our enemies and do good to them because our life is in You. This is a tall order, I think, but with Your Holy Spirit's help, we can. In Jesus' name I ask, Amen.
ERC August 2025.
Based on Luke 6:32, 35-36 ESV.
Sing, All Because of Mercy, along with Casting Crowns.
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