The Rules of Kingdom Life
October 5, 2020
Commentary
This portion of Scripture contains what is commonly called “The Golden Rule.” It is a mistake to think that our Lord was teaching a system of ethics that will do away with evil and raise us to a higher spiritual plane. The Jews despised the Romans because they oppressed God’s people, but Jesus told the people to love these enemies. Nothing can do that except the new birth. You can’t fall into this type of love; it takes a conscious effort. Jesus was simply teaching His disciples that their actions must go beyond what is considered good morality by the world (vv. 27-30). It was dealing with our attitude toward people. Three key principles stand out: We must treat others as we want to be treated (v. 31). This assumes we want the very best spiritually for ourselves.Give as though you are giving to God (vv. 32-35). Do not retaliate when others attack you, give freely to those who ask of you, and treat others the way you would want them to treat you. This type of love marks a disciple off as distinctive (vv. 32-34) and is the type of love that God shows and enables the disciple to demonstrate (v. 35).We must imitate our Father in heaven and be merciful (v. 36). This means that we become more like God in our character.We must love our enemies, do good to them and pray for them. Hatred only breeds more hatred. This cannot be done in our own strength, but it can be done through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We will reap what we sow (vv. 37-38). If we live to give, God will see to it that we receive; but if we only live to get, God will see to it that we lose. This principal applies not only to giving of money, but also to the giving of ourselves in ministry to others. No one ever loses by loving, nor becomes poor by giving. Every cheerful giver knows both the joy of giving and the joy of God’s wonderful provision.
Application
Do I have anyone who might consider me as an enemy at the moment? If so, what would happen if I “turned the tables” and sent them a kind letter of encouragement?
Luke 6:27– 38 (NET)
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. 29 To the person who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other as well, and from the person who takes away your coat, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your possessions back from the person who takes them away. 31 Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to be repaid, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, so that they may be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
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, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.”