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
Context and Charge:
Wherever there is a BUT, it is good to look at what came before. It is important to stress that today's extract is addressed to disciples, not the crowd. The expectations of Jesus from the crowd are always different from those from disciples. The world's standards, processes and procedures are always in direct opposition to those of the Word of God. This is why being a disciple means you will not be liked by the world. Anyone who wants to be loved by the world cannot be a true disciple of Jesus. The BUT here has laid out a different path for a disciple. Which one am I: part of the crowd or a true disciple? If I can sort out my identity, then I can define my pursuit and priority.
It is the way of the world to love those that love it, and to hate those that hate it. It sees nothing in popular statements like 'tit for tat' or 'getting even'. However, for all who profess to know Jesus, hatred is not an option. The only thing we are permitted to hate, just like God, is sin. As for people, love is the minimum standard. It is beyond tolerance or acceptance, but it is love. Love does not seek evil for anyone, even for those who have wronged me. I am to lend, expecting nothing in return. I am to do good, not because the other person deserves it, but because I stand where I am because I also received good from God. Where will any of us be without the good God?
Conviction and Conclusion:
Reward is tied to identity. God does not call and equip a man for fun, or as a trick. Obedience is also a requirement for that identity. If he ordains a man for an assignment, it is because there are lives to bless, and at the end, a reward to earn. Let no man be deceived into thinking there will be no accounting, or that he can get away with anything less than total obedience. God does all he does so that we have the right examples of His grace and mercy, and we can replicate same in the lives of people who come in contact with us. The greatest reward is that which is eternal; the reason why it is so special is because the earthly is the preparation ground for that eternal and great reward.
God has shown us the right example. He does not discriminate against any man on the basis of tribe, language, culture, background or wealth of experience. When he sends rain, it falls on both the priest and the prostitute, as well as the clergy and the congregant. This is just one of the many examples of God being God over all He has created, and laying down the acceptable standard. As always, it is about personal choices. God will not force himself on anyone, but if I will let Him, He will make of my life that which will being him glory. It has nothing to do with influence, prestige, position, privilege or power. A fire is coming to test our commitment to these instructions. God's time of favour is here.
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