Luke 6:27-49

Jesus taught about loving our enemies, turning the other cheek and giving to those who wrong us. He said that it's easy to love our friends, to lend to those we know will repay us, and to do good to people who are good to us. As Christians though, we are to show love and mercy to others, just as God shows love and mercy to sinners. He said we are not to judge or condemn, but to forgive and give. Then, it will be given back to us in the same way.

This was and is truly radical thinking. The natural thing to do when we're wronged is to seek revenge - to take back what is ours or inflict the same damage onto the one who wronged us. Jesus says instead we should love our enemies, give them what they take from us and then give them more. This is the kind of love God has shown each of us and it is life changing love. When we respond with God's love, lives can be changed and that's the whole point. That's why Jesus came, and that's why He wants us to show that love to everyone.


Jesus continued by teaching that if we do not know the way to God, we cannot lead others to Him - it would be like the blind leading the blind! Also, we can't help others if we have unresolved issues in our own lives. This doesn't mean we need to be perfect, but if we have sin that we have not acknowledged, yet alone confessed, we are in no position to help someone else with their problems.

Finally, Jesus taught about the fruits of our faith and the importance of building on a strong foundation. Our faith is seen by the things we do. No one but God can truly see into our hearts and know where our faith is, but by looking at how we live our lives and how we treat others, our faith can be known by some degree by others. That faith needs to be grounded in the truth that is Jesus. We need to know Him so intimately that doing the right thing becomes second nature more and more. Then others will see Jesus at work in our lives.