Luke 6: 27-38  Jesus said that if we hear His words and "act upon them"  that we will flourish and stand firm.. we will not be shaken when the storms come because our foundation is firm.  These words that we find in verses 27-31 are His instructions that we need to hear and do:

Verse 27 "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.. " 

Verse 28 "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

Verse 29 "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either."

Verse 30 "Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back." 

Verse 31 "And just as you want people to treat you, treat them as well." 

Oh boy! Even as I write these words I am convicted.. for I don't want someone to take what is mine.. I don't want to give to everyone who asks of me.   Surely Jesus didn't mean all those scammers and crooks and evil doers that inhabit our world today?  Did He?  How do we love those who hate us and do good to those who hurt us?  Help me Lord!   

I can rationalize through verse 31.. the "golden rule".. after all I treat people fairly.. I think.. and I want others to treat me that way.. but, do I really do it the way Jesus is saying?  And then He says:

"And if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And 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." 

Jesus wants us to do MORE than just what "the sinners" do.. He wants us to do what He would do... "love your enemies.. do good and lend expecting nothing in return.. "  Just like He loved us while we were still sinners.. while we were in the enemies camp.  He gave Himself fully.. and He gives and gives and gives.. and never expects a return for He knows we have nothing to give that He Himself has not given us in the first place.  Every breath.. every heartbeat.. everything.. is from Him and for Him.

Jesus tells us to "be merciful" just as our Father is.  He tells us not to judge or condemn.. but to pardon others.. He tells us to "Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." 

Father in heaven, I am so weak, so poor, so helpless to do these commands of Jesus.  I need Your Spirit, Lord to come and take control of my life so that I might walk in the ways of Jesus.. loving enemies, giving to those who ask, being merciful and patient, forgiving and persevering in doing good. Help me not to grow weary in doing good.. not to be afraid of truly loving the stranger, the needy, and even the wicked.  Help us to show Your love as You have shown Your love to us.  We come to You in the name of Jesus, who gave Himself for us that we might become righteous like He is.. May it be done in us.. in me today I pray.  Amen.