Good morning. God’s Word reminds us from time to time that we receive in proportion to our faithful actions. In the Lord’s prayer Jesus tells us, For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, Mt. 6:14
Regarding generosity, we read in Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
For today’s thought I will ask you to consider with me the words of Jesus from Luke 6:32-36 and consider how these words relate to the reminders from our Lord as stated above.
“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”
We are called to be exceptional. We are called to go beyond the expectations of the world around us. In doing so, we reflect the difference that the person of Jesus Christ makes within us. It isn’t always easy. It is rarely convenient. But it is a reflection of the presence of God and what it means to live a life that has changed to be increasingly reflective of our Savior.
Vern