35: But love your enemies and be kind and do good [doing favors so that someone derives benefit from them] and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind and charitable and good to the ungrateful and the selfish and wicked. 36 So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is [all these].
Luke 6:35-36Amplified Bible
In conducting our Wednesday night bible study from the book of Acts, I’m struck with the selflessness of a people who are able to live from a place of heart that says “nothing is my own”, Acts 2: 41-47. I’m mindful of the last days where we are assured of two dynamics taking place; Jesus said, the love of many will grow cold and the Apostle Paul wrote men will be lovers of self . The Amplified bible adds “utterly self-centered”. Isaiah prophesied darkness would cover the earth and dense darkness the people, but the Lord shall arise upon you and His glory shall be seen on you. What is the expression of the glory of God, but His overwhelming goodness displayed in acts of mercy.
If it is the love of God that first teaches us about giving and living from this place of selflessness, it must be the worlds standards that teach us to withhold in a place of self preservation. The proverb declares there is one that has but withholds more than is right and it tends to poverty. The book of James reminds us it is only as I shut off my heart that I can be unmoved by the need I see.
In a day and age where we must be known as disciples of Jesus Christ by the love we display, how important is it that we are open handed, willing and generous givers! This means giving must be in every area of our lives; from our thoughts and words about others to the very actions they motivate.
Love believes the best. Where I make the willful choice to think the best and speak the best I am able to reflect the goodness and mercy of God. He does rain upon the just and the unjust. He is good to ALL. My growth process in conforming to Christ requires that I hold this value andexpression for my life.
But love your enemies and be kind and do good [doing favors so that someone derives benefit from them] and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind and charitable and good to the ungrateful and the selfish and wicked.
36 So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is [all these].
A righteous standard to conform to.