There are a lot of Scriptures that challenge me to the core!  I have been reading, studying and trying to live according to the teachings of the Bible for a long time and just when I begin to think that I am making some real progress, the Spirit gives me a lesson to let me see that I still have plenty of work to do.

This past Wednesday evening I shared a message from Luke 6:27-36.  I also shared this passage with folks visiting at Grace Place this morning for shopping.  I am not sharing any points, because I think it is more than challenging on its on and I still have so much work to do on this one!

I like to think I am getting better at this love thing, but I will not have it perfected until I love others (everyone) the way Jesus loves.  So, I’ve got some big time growing to do. Take a moment to read this passage from the New Living Translation and allow it to speak to and challenge your life and living!

“27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.  29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.  30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.  31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.  32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!  33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!  34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.  35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.  36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

I am learning that my enemies are not who or what I often think they are, which reminds me of another Scripture in Ephesians 12:6 which says:  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

My Prayer:  Lord, Please forgive me for where I have really messed this one up and help me to not waste Your energy on useless battles, but to allow Your love to flow into and through my life for Your glory!  May Your love – flowing into and through our lives, reveal how real you are to the hurt, lost and dying of this world.