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

Thursday, April 9, 2015

"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!"
— Luke 6:33-34 NLT
Illustration of Luke 6:33-34 NLT — "If you do good only to those people that do good to you, should you get some special praise for doing that?"

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

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.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 2:1-10
  • Psalm 145:17
  • Proverbs 3:3

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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