My Sunday Skl

THE WORD: Luke 6:34-36

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.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Let’s take a moment to dissect the heart of giving, as revealed in Luke 6:34-36. Jesus sheds light on the contrasting perspectives of giving: the sinner’s approach and the believer’s. The sinner gives with the expectation of receiving in return, a transactional approach based on personal benefit. But we, as believers, are called to give in a way that transcends personal gain. We’re urged to love our enemies, to give without conditions, and to show kindness without expecting anything in return. Does your giving stem from a place of love and kindness rather than from a desire for self-benefit?

As Matthew 5:44-48 reminds us, we’re called to mirror God’s character, especially His indiscriminate kindness and mercy towards all. In fact, Jesus emphasizes that by doing so, we reflect the nature of our heavenly Father, who showers His blessings impartially on both the good and the evil. Yes, we’re not perfect, but we’re called to strive for perfection as our Heavenly Father is perfect. Let’s ask God to help us give without expecting anything in return, to love those who may not deserve it, and to trust that our reward lies in being children of the Highest. 

Our response to others should echo the way God treats us – without conditions. As 1 John 3 reaffirms, God’s giving is not driven by personal gain but by His inherent kindness and mercy.