“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.”
Luke 6:35 (ESV)
Background:
During His Sermon on the Plain, Jesus delivered radical teachings that went against the cultural norms of His time. The Jewish people were under Roman rule and oppression, and the idea of loving enemies seemed impossible. Yet, Jesus commanded them not only to love their friends but even those who mistreated them.
This teaching remains just as challenging today. In a world that promotes revenge, division, and self-interest, Jesus calls us to love, give, and do good—without expecting anything in return. By doing so, we reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father.
Devotional:
Loving those who are kind to us is easy. But what about those who hurt us? What about the coworker who speaks against us, the family member who has wronged us, or the stranger who treats us unfairly?
Jesus doesn’t just suggest we love our enemies—He commands it. Why? Because this kind of love sets us apart as children of God. When we love beyond what is expected, we mirror God’s grace and mercy.
- God loves even those who reject Him. He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
- Loving our enemies shifts our focus from ourselves to God. We trust Him to be our defender and provider.
- Our love should be unconditional. Not based on what we receive but on who we serve.
When we choose love over hate, kindness over resentment, and generosity over selfishness, we experience the deep joy and reward that comes from being true disciples of Jesus.
Reflection:
- Who in my life is difficult to love right now?
- How can I reflect God’s love to those who have wronged me?
- Do I expect something in return when I show kindness, or do I give freely as Jesus taught?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to love as You love. Teach me to show kindness even when it’s hard, to forgive when it’s painful, and to give without expecting anything in return. Fill my heart with Your grace so that I may reflect Your character in my relationships. Let me be a light in a world that often chooses hate over love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application:
- Pray for someone who has wronged you. Ask God to soften your heart toward them.
- Do a selfless act of kindness for someone who may not appreciate it. Reflect God’s love through action.
- Let go of expectations. Give, love, and serve simply because it honors God.
Takeaway:
Loving like Jesus means loving without limits, without conditions, and without expectations.
💡 Are you ready to love even when it’s difficult? Drop a ❤️ in the comments if you’re committing to love beyond limits!
#LoveWithoutLimits #Luke635 #DailyDevotional #FaithInAction #LoveLikeJesus #UnconditionalLove
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