Live as one who’s been forgiven
Luke 6:27-36 NRSV
But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Merciful Father, Giver of forgiveness and grace, Author of salvation, You call us to do what only You can do.
Love our enemy; do good to those who seek our harm; speak well to those who shower us with contempt; seek Your blessing for those who curse and abuse us; give of our resources to others with no thought of receiving a return. You say, O Lord, that it is in this way that we show we are “children of the Most High.”
I want to be known as your child, O Father!
I want to follow your example, Lord Jesus; your example of forgiveness and compassion, of caring for the least and the lost; of emptying yourself of your rights and privileges and living the life of a servant.
But I can’t, Lord. I can’t do this unless you help me, unless your Spirit fills me, unless your power moves within me.
“O, to be like Thee! O, to be like Thee! Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; stamp thine own image deep on my heart” (Thomas O. Chisholm).
Come into my heart afresh this day, Holy Spirit.
Amen.
I Then Shall Live
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
