Read Luke 6:27-36. I read this passage and I praise God for I John 4:7-10,19! These verses tell us we love out because God first loved us. We love with his love in us and we can only love by first letting him love us. This week God has shown me more clearly than any time I remember how dependent on him I am. I can't have the right attitude, love, forgiveness, peace or joy without learning to totally depend on him.
I wonder if Jesus starts off his teaching to his disciples with such great expectations to help them realize there is no way on earth they can do this on their own. A close look a Luke 9 reveals his closest disciples were incredible self-center! They want to call down fire from heaven on their enemies 3 chapters after Jesus say, "love your enemies!"
The Lord will let us be like the prodigal son when it comes to love. He will let us wander off in the desert of bitterness, hatred, revenge and resentment to learn that on our own we can't love like we need to. He'll let us come to the end of ourself so we come home and invite his power into our lives.
Reading Matthew 25 - the sheep and the goat judgement will reveal that on Judgement Day - we will not be asked about our theology, tithing, church attendance - the real question will be - how did you love?
questions
1) read the passage again - what is the hardest thing for you to swallow about what Jesus says?
2) who or what has God put into your life to teach you that you can't love properly without his strength?
3) Read v. 36 again. How can focusing on God's mercy toward you more help you to be more merciful? What has God done lately to show you his mercy?
prayer
Read through the 15 qualities of love in I Corinthians 13:4-7. Slowly say each one and ask the Father to show you which ones you really are struggling with. Remember your heart is corrupted. I John 4:7-8 says, "love comes from God." You don't have to "feel" these qualities to perform them. Choose to do them regardless of feeling - that is love! Ask God to give you his heart for the people or situations you have grown cold toward. When you are tempted with thoughts like - "they don't deserve your love", "I don't feel like" - just agree with the accuser who is trying to deceive you - "yes they may not deserve it and I may not feel like it, but God commands it and I will be blessed - God give me strength to love..."
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