What Jesus Did : Luke 6:33-34 - Outside Our Circle

    by Phil Ware

    Outside Our Circle - Luke 6:33-34

    "If you do good only to those people that do good to you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners do that! If you loan things to people, always expecting to get something back, should you get some special praise for that? No! Even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount!" (ERV) Full Text

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    Key Thought

    So often we have a circle of "nice folks" or "familiar folks" with whom we associate and for whom we extend a special grace. Jesus reminds us that even sinners have that kind of circle and are nice to people who fit in their special circle of friendships. However, his disciples, those who are true children of God, open their circles to folks other than their close friends. Why? Because we are called to be redemptive, to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. So our goal is not to get what we deserve out of social relationships, but it is to help others get to God's grace. That principle, that kind of heart, changes everything.


    Today's Prayer

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    Loving Father, give me the courage to extend my kindness outside the limits of my comfort zone so that others can revel in your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


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    Today's Verses in Context


    "I say to you people that are listening to me, love your enemies. Do good to those people that hate you. Ask God to bless those people that say bad things to you. Pray for those people that are mean to you. If a person hits you on the side of your face, let him hit the other side too. If a person takes your coat, don't stop him from taking your shirt too. Give to every person that asks you. When a person takes something that is yours, don't ask for it back. Do for other people what you want them to do for you. "If you love only those people that love you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners love the people that love them! If you do good only to those people that do good to you, should you get some special praise for doing that? No! Even sinners do that! If you loan things to people, always expecting to get something back, should you get some special praise for that? No! Even sinners lend to other sinners so that they can get back the same amount! "I'm telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do these things, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High (God). Yes, because God is good even to the people that are full of sin and not thankful. Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.

    -- Luke 6:27-36 (ERV)

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