Scripture to Read: Luke 6:32–36
Jesus had more to teach, and so God had Luke record in Luke 6:32–36, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. 35 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 Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Jesus was laying out what a follower of His should look like. Since the name “Christian” means “little Christ,” as followers of Christ, we must look like Him. Others should expect that our character is different from what they see in this world every day. As we walk in accordance with what Jesus taught, we become imitators of God, who definitely showed His love toward His enemies through Christ our Lord—that is why God had Paul write this in Ephesians 5:1–2, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Our example is Christ, and we must imitate Him.
Challenge & Application
How are you doing being an imitator of your God and King, our Lord Jesus Christ?
What has God taught you that has been a challenge to you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!