Daily Devotion

 

 

There is no commandment of Jesus that has caused so much debate, and discussion as the command to love our enemies. Before we can obey it, we must discover what it means. In Greek, there are three words for love: eran, which means passionate love, the love of a man, and a woman; philein, which describes our love for our nearest, and dearest. Neither of these words is used here. The word used here isagapan, which describes an active feeling of benevolence towards the other person. It means that no matter what that person does to us we will never allow ourselves to desire anything, but their best. We cannot love our enemies as we love our nearest, and dearest. To do so would be unnatural, and impossible. However, we can see to it that no matter what a person does to us - insults, ill-treats, injures us - we will seek nothing, but their highest good.

 

This passage has in it two great facts about the Christian ethic. (1^st) The Christian ethic is positive. It does not consist in not doing, but in doing.  Jesus gave us the GOLDEN RULE which bids us do to others what we would have them do to us. The rule exists in many writers of many creeds in its negative form. The very essence of Christian conduct is that it consists, not in refraining from doing bad things, but in actively doing good things. (2^nd) The Christian ethic is based on the extra thing. How much better are you than the ordinary person? It is with God that we must compare ourselves, and that is where we are in default. (3^rd) What is the reason for this Christian conduct? It is that it makes us like God because that is the way He acts. God sends rain on the just, and the unjust. God's love embraces saint, and sinner alike. That is the love that we must copy.

 

Life Application: Do you follow this rule? We must work at it so that Jesus will be glorified, and that people will see something different in us.

 

Praise/Prayer: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below!"   Oh, my Father, how I love You. I am sorry that I do not always live up to all that You expect of me. Your love and companionship are what I long for. Everyday I try to live up to all that You expect of me. You are my daily strength and courage. With Your help, I can be victorious. Amen!