PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 6:32-36
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” (Luke 6:35)
The phrase ‘children of God’ can sometimes be used too broadly or too narrowly.
It is true that in one sense all people are God’s children, for he created us all.
It is true that those who confess Jesus are God’s children, for Jesus said so.
But belonging to the human race, and to the church, do not get to the heart of it.
God created us to be like him, to reflect his character and represent his love.
Kindness to all, including the ungrateful and the wicked, is what God is like.
I may technically be God’s child, but am I actually being like God as his child?
“Even sinners do that” (v.34) is a reminder that tribal love is not enough.
Jesus was the son that God loved because he lived and loved like God.
He reflected and represented God’s kindness to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Jesus spent time with religious and irreligious people, welcoming them all.
He helped rebellious sinners and Roman soldiers and self-righteous hypocrites.
He was kind to all, but also urged them to share the love with the rest of God’s family.
Who are the ungrateful and wicked in my life, and how can I bless and serve them?
PRAYER
Lord, kindness and mercy are what you were all about. Help me push beyond my inner circle, to love and serve those that are harder to love and serve.
“because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” Am I kind to the ungrateful and the wicked? God is because He is merciful. Jesus exemplified this. God loves each person – all the prodigals! O Lord, forgive me for holding back and not being kind to those that are mean and nasty to me – or even those who are different than I. Mercy and grace is God. Help me to be more gracious and merciful and forgiving. It’s not about receiving a reward but about being a follower of Jesus – my heart’s desire is to follow you Lord. Help me with your spirit to do so – to love mercy and walk humbly before you (from Micah).
The gospel in one word is love. I need to be like Christ unto others. Not my will but His will be done. As God has blessed me, I need to be a blessing to others and by His guidance of His Spirit, that is a possibility. To live for Jesus I need His presence every hour.
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.