It’s easy to be nice to someone who is nice to you, or to give to someone you think will pay you back. Jesus is saying that everyone does that – these acts do not stand out from the crowd. As followers of Him, we should be clearly distinguishable from others – this clearly is not enough to do it.
What actions do followers of Christ perform that clearly separate them from others in the world? Love one another, right? Now, let’s turn it around and ask – what reactions do followers of Christ perform that clearly separate them? Be nice to those who are not nice – now there is something different and uncommon. It’s also something that is badly needed in today’s world.
Our actions can show love, but our reactions might show even more. At my simplistic level, it seems we are being asked to not change how we react to someone based on their actions. If someone is kind – show love. If someone is unkind – show love. By how we act and react, we can show that we are truly different – truly separated – from the world we are immersed in.
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:35 – 36)
#LoveMatters