Day 18
Jesus’
Message: radical love
Read: Luke 6:27-49
Today’s
passage is the pinnacle and heart of Jesus’ message, his’ beatitudes. Jesus
calls his followers to love with radical love, love that transcends the world’s
love. Going beyond easy norms; being kind, showing good will, open-heartedly praying
for those against us.
- “If
someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone
takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if
anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as
you would have them do to you” (6:29-31).
The Christian who acts in the way
laid down here will be pointing to his or her master, Jesus Christ, and will be
following in the footsteps of Stephen who prayed for those who were stoning
him: “Lord, do not hold this sin against
them” (Acts 7:60).
The
love Jesus describes expects nothing in return. Pure love is giving when there is no hope of
receiving any love, appreciation, or thanks.
Such love which radiates in contrast to the self centred love of the
world is a powerful witness.
While
such love doesn’t come easily, we are gifted love in Jesus who already loves. When falling short in living-love recognise
the need to come back to God for forgiveness, help, and the “renewing of Jesus’ shed-abroad-love through
the Holy Spirit who he has already given us.” In re-receiving God’s love we overtly continue
Jesus’ lifestyle.
Ponder Point (reflect)
- God
lives in us and his love is made complete in us
Consider (respond)
- What
connections are there between praying and loving?
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