Love selflessly, become a mentor.
“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. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” Luke 6.27-30
These days we toss the word LOVE around so casually. “I love football games, and ham sandwiches. I love movies that make me laugh and cry. I love hamburgers and apple pie. I love my spouse. I love my kids. I love God.”
Jesus calls His followers to a love that is way beyond casual.
It's Crazy. Supernatural. Foolish.
It's a love that goes outside the norm and takes our breath away. A love that is costly and knows no limits. A love that is bold and unexpected. A love that is lavish and expects nothing in return.
We’re not only to love like this but we’re to love our ENEMIES like this!
Do we love the one who left us for someone else? The one who held our heart in their hands and carelessly discarded it? The one who stole our innocence? The one who emptied us of all we are emotionally, mentally and physically?
How can we love like this?
We can’t! Humanly speaking, it’s impossible to love like this. But our God is the God of the impossible. He specializes in doing the unexpected, the astonishing! And He has implanted this crazy, foolish, transcendent love in our hearts that enables us to do what we could never do on our own!
His love enables us to love extravagantly, unconditionally, lavishly! Will you open your heart to this love the Father has for you and then let it overflow into the hearts of your enemies and friends alike?
Lord, we readily admit that we are frail and human, that our pain and hurt often get in the way of our love. We need you. Our love is fickle but Yours is faithful. Our love is conditional but Yours carries no conditions. Our love is frivolous but Yours is purposeful and extravagant. Teach us to love like You love. Amen.
Take Action
Today, listen for the word "love" in your conversation. When are you using it? Can you commit to using it in way that truly reflects the love God calls us to? Find an opportunity to show Christlike love to someone you usually overlook.