Love for Enemies

Luke 6:27-36
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People generally do not ask me why I do the things I do. They just assume I am a good kid. I don't smoke, party, drink, do drugs, and I'm not that "mean" to other people. People look at me and just think I do the things I do because I am a "goody two shoes." The thing that stumps me is, "Why do they think I do those things because I'm nice/kind, but not because I am a Christian?" You see, there's a difference between those who are just generally kind, and those who are Christian.


"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 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." [Luke 6:32-34]


I realize I've been thinking the wrong thing the entire time. I thought that if I went above and beyond, and was kind and nice to everyone, they would think, "Why is she like that?" and I could say, "Because I am a Christian." But no! God doesn't want us to be "good." If we do the things sinners do, we're just human. If we love others who love us, do good to those who are good to us, and lend and expect repayment, what sets us apart?


"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." [Luke 6:35-36]


We must do everything in love, because God is love. Like the video I posted on my profile page, The 'Unforgivable' Sin, we must do things not because we have to or fear going to hell, but because we understand God's love so much, we want to extend that love to others. 



"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." [Luke 6:27-28]


Prayer is one powerful weapon. Pray for those who need God, yes, but also pray for those who mistreat you, hate you, despise you, and ultimately, those whom you thought you'll never pray for. We don't want to show human kindness, we want to show God' love. There is a line, and I pray that the next time someone looks at me, they realize it's God working through me, not "human kindness."

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Returning good for good is human; returning good for evil is divine.