Luke 6:32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.
Before beginning today’s devotion pause and read through the passage from which it comes. Read from Luke 6:27 to Luke 6:36. The entire passage speaks of how we should act, concluding in verse 35 exactly what we should be doing. We are called to love our enemies and do good to them (Luke 6:35).
As believers we are taught that love is expected when interacting with others, whether they are believers or not. Jesus challenges us to love and points out that even sinners (unbelievers) do the same. Simply loving those who show us kindness is not enough. We are to love everyone, including those who we might consider as enemies or unpleasant.
All of this calls for a different type of love than we are used to giving, especially to those who are harder to love. The type of love we should be giving is self-sacrificing, a love that doesn’t need to be reciprocated or repaid. We reflect God’s character when we do this. And our lives become living testimonies.
In today’s verse we again see the Greek word agape. The difference today is that we are using the active verb form rather than just a noun. We see action rather than just a concept. When using the word as a verb, it suggests our love is ongoing. This requires active engagement when we love others. We CHOOSE to love them with Godly love.
Are you loving the unlovable or the more challenging individuals? We need to develop a transformative love, one that is unconditional and reflects His nature and love. Let your love be a witness to those who don’t yet know Him.
Prayer: Lord, I want You to use me to reach the lost. Help me to love even the most challenging people with a love that mirrors Your own amazing love. Amen
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