Scripture Reading…Luke 6:27-49
Devotion
In Luke 6 we have Luke’s version of what we commonly call the Sermon the Mount. The reading today focused in on the OTHERS side of this sermon. Jesus makes it clear here that our relationship to God is connected to our relationship with others. We cannot say we love God and show hatred to others. We cannot say we are followers of Jesus and treat others badly. Verse 31 sums it up well, “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” In short, Jesus says, how we treat others really matters. He follows the golden rule with this in verse 36, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Powerful verse, but back up to verse 35 and see the motivation for our mercy. “…for he (the Most High A.K.A…God) is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” The way we have been treated by God is the motivation for our actions toward others.
Is there someone who could use a little mercy from you today? How about some forgiveness? There is a verse in Proverbs 19:11 that I (Steve) am trying to remember and live out every day. Here it is, “Good sense makes one slow to anger; and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Slow to anger…overlook an offense…Sound advice. I know I am in such need of mercy and forgiveness that it is crazy for me to hold on to that with someone who has angered, offended, or hurt me. Somethings, the wise man says, just need to be let go of, overlooked, or at least, given the benefit of the doubt. The way I treat others matters. The way you treat others matters. Let’s commit this week to connecting with others, not pulling the plug on others.
CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY
Walk at least one mile today.
Respond to the online community.
When the church service ends, make it your goal to meet someone you don’t know or connect with someone you don’t know well before you spend time with your friends. Make a beeline for anyone who is alone or who looks awkward.