THE CHRISTMAS STORY ~ DAY 6: In Luke 6 we learn about the sabbath day, discipleship, blessings, grace, mercy, kindness, and LOVE.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good. Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks: Our words reveal our heart. If there is good treasure in the heart, it will show; if evil, that also will show in time. Our words say more about us than we think, and reveal that some are good men and some are evil men. - Luke 6:45

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. - Luke 6:35

Love your enemies: This is a simple command to understand, but difficult one to obey. Jesus told us exactly how to actually love our enemies: do good, bless, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

Jesus recognized that we will have enemies. This plan of God’s Kingdom takes into account real-world problems. Yes, here in the “real world” we will have enemies but we are to respond to them in love, trusting that God will protect our cause and take care of our enemies in the best way possible, transforming them and their ways.

Do good, bless and pray for those who spitefully use you - The love Jesus told us to have for our enemies was not a warm, fuzzy feeling deep in the heart. We cannot and should not love our enemies as we love our nearest and dearest. To do so would be unnatural, impossible and wrong.

The love for our enemies is a love that does something FOR them. Sharing a spirit of God’s love for others that inspires them to do the same for someone else.

Seek nothing but God’s highest good. You will be daughters of the Most High. In doing this, we imitate God, who shows love towards His enemies, and is kind to the unthankful and evil.

God’s agenda, HIS PLAN is one of love and kindness. Let’s put that as a priority on our “to do” list this week. Give grace, show mercy. Be kind and love one another. Let’s live as a disciple of Jesus. Have a blessed week.