Like Father

“But if you love those who love you, what credit 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 credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:32-36

I love the part of this scripture that talks about how kind and merciful God is! God is kind to the unthankful, the unkind, the unappreciative and the unloving!

God never asks us to do something that He Himself has not already done. In Romans 5:8 it says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus loved us when we were helpless, ungodly enemies of His gospel message. In the scripture above, God challenges us to take it one step further in our relationships here on earth and not just love the easy going, lovable, kind and adorable, but to love those who are our enemies.

I enjoy seeing the similarities between children and their parents. I see it in my children as they reflect their father's traits. I see it in myself, as I reflect my mother's traits. I see in my friends as their children reflect their parent's traits. It warms my heart to see the positive imprint that is transferred from generation to generation.

God tells us that if we love our enemies, do good and lend to others, hoping nothing in return, that we too will be sons and daughters of the Most High! What a great honor it is to desire to be just like our Heavenly Father who has a heart that is full of mercy!

Is there someone in your life that you consider an enemy? Love them as God has loved you for your reward will be great as you will be a true reflection of your Father in heaven!

FATHER, thank you that you sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because You loved us. Please Empower us with Your Holy Spirit so that we can reflect your heart of mercy. In Jesus Name - Amen.