But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Luke 6:35 KJV
Another account from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus took time to highlight the extract of the old testament and then lay down the new standard under the new testament. One of the things that become clear as you read Matthew chapters 5 - 7 is that Jesus knew what the provisions of the law were. In dealing with God, ignorance of his commands will never serve as a valid excuse for disobedience. If I will follow after God and learn His ways, I must study His Word and know his mind.
Why do the words of today's extract matter? It is because God is holding us in this present generation to a higher standard. In the past, Moses' law may have allowed you to get away with hating your enemy, but under the new dispensation of grace, you cannot get away with hatred. Moses' law may have permitted an eye for an eye, but under the divine law of grace and love, God expects better. Let's see what God demands: love your enemy, do good, and lend without expecting returns. I tell you, unless your outer man is totally broken, you will struggle to do any of the things demanded for here.
However, one thing is clear: God shows the perfect example and He requires all who bear allegiance to Him to do the same. He doesn't discriminate in the dispensation of his mercies and grace, and He wants all who follow Him to also walk in those steps. Your ownership will reflect your pursuits and priorities. If indeed I belong to God, his ways and grace will shine in and through me. So, who am I: doing my own thing or living to please my Father? Who is the master dictating terms and conditions for me? Do not forget: eternity is tied to the answer to this question. His time of favour is here.
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