Loving People Period

Text: Luke 6:27-36 Theme: Love is not optional based on our biases. Key verses: “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…If someone strikes you on one check, turn to him the other also.” (v. 27-29a) “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (v. 31) “If you love those who love you…if you do good to those who are good to you…If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?” (v. 32-34) “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 sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (v. 35-36) What God said to me: Dwayne, you are weary today from your travels and efforts in my name. I have given you this moment as a gift to rest and be recharged in my presence. Be sure to wait on me today and maintain this attitude of hopeful rest in my promises. As you go, look for ways to show my love to those you meet. Don’t lend today to only those from whom you know you will be repaid. Think of all the times I have “loaned” you my mercy–all the while knowing you would not return my love with grateful obedience. In a day when so much emphasis is placed on investing your time and resources, do not assume that my ultimate plan for you is to see tangible returns in this lifetime. Often, frankly, you will not. Many to whom you show kindness and help will quickly forget your actions for them. Others will disappoint you or even turn and stab you in your back after they have benefited from your acts of love toward them. I know this seems unimaginable. Why would anyone not carry an debt of gratitude and appreciation for undeserved mercy and assistance? My son, I have been equally startled and amazed for thousands of years now. Yet, I continue to show mercy and love on any and all–whether they return my love or not. You must always do the same… What I said to God: Thank You, precious and holy One. Praise You this morning for meeting with me, for loving on me, for showing me great and wonderful grace. May I never turn away those whom You lead me to help. May I never base my decisions to help them on how they may in turn help me. That’s not how Your mercy works. You have never treated me as my sins deserve. You have never withheld your love from me, even when I scorned it and didn’t appreciate it. You are El-Elyon and You are Jehovah God. I honor You as both and yeild my self to You today.