If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:32-36 (ESV)
Dear Lord Jesus, I need to meditate on this Scripture regularly, because the cost of loving well confronts me every day. But to start with, I’m so glad to affirm this one line: “God is kind to the ungrateful and evil.” I know this to be true because God is über kind to me all the time, even when I don’t acknowledge it. My ingratitude confronts me on a daily basis—about all the riches of the gospel I take for granted, and for all the creature comforts that fill my life. That I would ever carp and whine should grieve me.
And my evil thoughts (no exaggeration) show up in the form of envy about what others have and are; pride over who I think I am and what I deserve; revenge towards others who have “dissed” or hurt me; lust for pleasure and comfort outside your will and provision. Jesus, I won’t throw stones at anyone today; I’ll just throw myself upon the mountain of your mercy.
So help me love fellow ungrateful, rebellious, broken people in my world today. Grant me quick repentances when I judge others harshly or consider myself better than anyone. Fill my eyes with your compassion, my heart with your grace, and my hands with your mercy. And by the Holy Spirit, help me stay way more alive to your love for me in the gospel. Jesus, I want to love others as you love me. So very Amen I pray, in your tender and exalted name.