The Truth Hurts

Luke 6:32-35

“If you love those who love you, what benefit 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 benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.  And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”

Reading through Matthew this week, I was caught by Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mountain in chapter 5:43 and following. Then I cross referenced that over to Luke 6 (the text above). Wow!  I know a lot of Christians. I mean, I know thousands of Christians…personally. 

I know few people that live this out. When I think about this text, very few folks come to mind.

How about you? You know lots of believers. Do you know anyone that lives this out? Or how about this… When your friends and family and neighbors and co-workers think about this text and question, do you come into their minds? Are you who they think of when they think of love and giving and selflessness like this?

I pray that we will take Jesus’ words seriously.