Becoming Children of the Most High

It's human nature to want to give an eye for an eye, operate in pettiness, and pay our insecurities and pain forward. Jesus, however, calls us to respond to a slap in the face by offering up the other cheek - to be so assured in our identity as children of God that in the face of insults, hurt, and brokenness, we respond with mercy instead of ego. This commandment, to show mercy to others as we have been shown mercy from God, is so challenging because it confronts the parts in each of us that stubbornly hold onto self-righteousness and judgment. Still, when we do surrender our pride and resentment to initiate reconciliation with those who have hurt us, we acknowledge God's grace in our own lives and become living testaments to His goodness and love.

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Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

Love for Enemies
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”