Topic: Luke 6:32 [John Hagee Devotional 28 April 2020]
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But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them
Most churches would have welcomed the Pharisees. After all, they tithed up to 30% of their income, knew the Scriptures backwards and forwards, fasted twice a week, and were very religious.
They were also mean-spirited, stingy, and self-righteous. They twisted the Scriptures – tested and questioned Jesus. They prayed loudly in the streets, so others would be impressed with their piety. They moped pitifully when they fasted, so people would admire their self-deprivation and discipline.
Jesus saw through their religious façade, and they hated Him for it. However, Jesus said that even the Pharisees – deceptive hypocrites they were – loved those who loved them. And He challenges us today: if we only love those who are kindly disposed towards us, what credit is that to us?
The true test of love is when we are the first to forgive, when we seek to be reconciled to an enemy, when we do good to those that deceive and use us, when we lend to the needy with no expectation of return, when we treat others the way we wish to be treated. Jesus promises a wonderful reward when we act like our generous Father Who shows us how to be kind to the ungrateful and wicked (Luke 6:35).
Blessing:
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. Jesus paid the price for you to be forgiven. May the Holy Spirit fill you with His power to forgive others. May your relationships be restored in the mighty name of Jesus.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Old Testament
Judges 8:17-9:21
New Testament
Luke 23:44-24:12
Psalms & Proverbs
Psalm 99:1-9
Proverbs 14:9-10