The One: AdventSample

Jesus says that the ultimate standard of authentic love is how well you treat the person you can’t stand, or in his words, “you should love your enemy and do good to them expecting nothing in return.” For Jesus, this kind of love imitates the very character of God himself.

Read:

Luke 6:27-36

Reflect:

What do you notice? What questions, thoughts, and feelings come up as you read?

Remember or tell a story of an experience you had when you, or someone you know, showed love to their enemy and expected nothing in return.

What does Jesus promise for those who love in this way (see verse 35)?

Note how God himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. What does this say about God’s character? Imagine a world where God was mean to people who were ungrateful and evil. Would anyone at all survive?

Note how God is described in verse 36. What is the relationship between love and mercy?

How do Jesus’ words specifically challenge or encourage you today? What is one way you can actively respond today?

Let your reading and reflections prompt a prayer. Express your gratitude to God for his merciful love, and be honest about the ways you have withheld the same love from others. Pray for the people who have mistreated you, and ask for God’s continued help to love like he does.