As always, Jesus shows us the perfect way:
"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)
God is kind to us - even when we are awful. And let’s be honest here – we can be really awful... What Jesus is telling us is that we should treat all of His people with tender care, kindness and mercy - even when they are awful. Remember the Golden Rule?
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” (Matthew 7:12a)
Classic line – everyone’s heard it, right? But how many of us remember the second half of that verse?
“This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12b)
Treating others well – regardless of their actions – is about as close to being like Christ as we can get on this earth. The “law and the prophets” means basically you can sum up the most important message from God’s Holy Word prior to Jesus’ arrival on the scene 2000 years ago.
Remember that when we were at our worst, Jesus forgave us. And He didn’t just forgive us, but He forgave us from a wooden cross with spikes through His Hands and Feet. Even more still, He forgave us and offers us an opportunity for eternal life with Him!
#LoveMatters