An extraordinary standard regarding love -- Full message

 

God's Love Alive In Us

Jesus says something that can be very hard for us to live by.  He says, “Love your enemies!” And, “Pray for those who persecute you!”  The capacity for anyone to love in this extraordinary way has to do with God.  This kind of love is only likely to happen when God is alive in us.  So then, it is His love at work in us and through us.  In a way, what Jesus is saying is that we are called to the privilege of being agents in this world of the unfailing love of God.

The Challenge of Doing It Jesus' Way

When it comes to loving people, Jesus casts the net out far and wide…”If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!” Luke 6:32.  Jesus goes on, “Love your enemies!  Do good to them….You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.” Luke 6:35(a) & 36. It’s always challenging to live the way Jesus calls us to live.

Approaching God On Behalf Of Our Enemy

Jesus instructed us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote that we should “PLEAD” for our enemy to God. Wow. There is something in that comment that impacted me powerfully. I have never done this on behalf of an enemy. Clearly, there is a much deeper, fuller work of love that God has, yet, to be realized in me. How about you?