Random Tuesday Musings (week6)

Luke 6:27-36 The Message (MSG)

27-30 “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

31-34 “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

35-36 “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. 

So our church (Gateway) is doing their devotional series that we do every year and while this is not taken from one of the 31 days that are in the Love Expressed devotional book, the words "Love Expressed" sparked something in my heart the other day when I was walking through a situation where I was brought to a place that I had to make a choice. Our actions and reactions are a choice. We either choose to express love or we choose to let it all hang out when something doesn't go our way or someone is not being gracious and handling you with care.  Just thinking on this passage today as we come to yet the close of another Tuesday.