Graceways September 21 Devotional

LUKE 6:27-28 | ²⁷ But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; ²⁸ bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you.

If we want to be vessels of God’s grace and goodness, we must train ourselves in neighbor love. Refraining from slander, we protect other’s reputations. Avoiding partiality, we remember everyone bears the image of God. Mastering negative emotions allows us to view others in a positive way. Investing in relationships lets us have the courage for mutual critique, speaking the truth in love. Empathy with our neighbor breaks the natural narcissism of our outlook, helping us see the world from the viewpoint of someone else. We can even learn to creatively relate to others, treating them with respect and understanding, as we wish to be treated ourselves.

This growth, however, is preparation for an even greater challenge: enemy love! To treat others as we wish to be treated, gives way to treating others as God treats us—loving us despite our rebellions and animosity to His will and ways. To do this, we must depend on His presence and power. 

Do you feel challenged?

Gracious God,

I need Your presence and power to love neighbors and to love enemies. Help me!

Amen.