Love and Lend

"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."

Luke 6:35 NIV

Did you know the United States has a long history of sending foreign aid to those whose governments consider the US enemies? On a secular political level, this does not seem to make sense, but it is Biblical. Jesus himself tells us it's the right thing to do. We are to love our enemies, and we are to lend to them without expecting anything in return -- it's a gift.

When we give to our enemies, we are overcoming two things that are the hardest for us. First, we are extending love to someone we do not like. Likely that means forgiveness is involved, the forgiveness of the other and ourselves. When we do this, they can no longer be our enemies: we cannot truly love someone and still hold them as enemies. Secondly, we are giving of our resources. Those things which we hold dear, our hard-earned money. Although the sweat of our brows may earn it, God provides us with the breath and the ability. So, we have no reason not to give when we consider everything; we have are gifts from God.

Although we should not need a reason for following Christ's command, we are, after all, his disciples. The verse goes on to say our reward will be great. Through our obedience, God is showing kindness to our enemies. Could God show kindness without our involvement? Of course, but in asking us to follow Christ’s example, we are trained into righteousness.

God, we give you thanks for the lessons taught by Jesus. Especially those which we find difficult, for in obeying them you are perfecting us. We confess we find it hard sometimes to love our enemies, and we find it hard to provide for them. Father, please help us to have a change of heart. May we embrace our enemies with your love and give freely of the resources you have given us. We pray that through our actions, others will come to recognize your kindness. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim