HEAL - God's Heart for Healing in LukeSample

Solid Foundation

Throngs of people had gathered on the slope of a hill leading down to the Sea of Galilee to hear what Jesus had to say and to experience His healing power. Envision yourself sitting in the crowd listening, too. Jesus described how His kingdom is NOT like the kingdom of this world. In fact, it almost seems to be completely opposite. Jesus began to teach about how we are to treat each other if we call ourselves His followers: “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

He further instructs His followers: do not judge each other, do not condemn each other, and always forgive each other. Jesus made no exceptions to this list of things His followers should always do.  

Then He admonishes us to not even claim that He is our Lord if we are not going to do what He has instructed us to do. WOW! He instructs this way because He knows His instructions are for our good and they will lead us to the abundant life He has planned for us. More specifically here, He tells us that in order to avoid utter destruction when the storms of life come (and they will invariably come), we need a solid foundation built ahead of time, and that foundation is built by following His teachings. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Is there someone I should forgive in order to be aligned with Jesus’ teaching?
2. Is there someone from whom I should ask forgiveness because I have judged and/or condemned him/her?
3. Do I believe Jesus has given these instructions because He loves me?