"If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that." Luke 6:32-34 The Message
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 6:36,37
******
Jesus gives us a hard pill to swallow here. He is telling His followers to do what doesn't come naturally. He's saying, "Don't go with the flow".
The flow of what?
The flow of what feels good. Acts of revenge and retaliation. The feeling of getting even.
Why?
Because even God Himself is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. If am a child of the Most High, this is what I will look like.
REALLY???
Ever wonder why the ungrateful and wicked get good things?
God is kind.
I will show kindness if I am offspring of a kind God. It will be part of the proof that I belong to Him.
Let's look at the word "kind" according to Dictionary.com
KIND:of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, considerate, helpful, mild; gentle; a sympathetic attitude toward others, and a willingness to do good or give pleasure.
This defines the true nature of our God. This should define the true core nature of our personality too. There will be little or no reward and pat on the back for loving those who love you back. Sinners can do this. What sinners can't do is be kind to those who hate you and do evil against you. This requires being filled with His Holy personality.
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4
The purpose of God's kindness is to lead one to repentance.
*******
Father, cleanse me of all unkindness today. Convict me when I sink into revenge mode. Open my eyes to my own corruption. Fill me with Your heart of kindness. Remove the need in my heart for everything to be even at this moment. Make me like You..in Jesus Name...Amen.
(Photo taken by Christy)