As Jesus was tried and his life taken, (Luke 23) we know the world became a different place. Changes were coming to the Lord’s kingdom, but what did not change was the basic groundwork that Christ laid while he was here.
As he went through being tried seven time for false charges, he demonstrated great strength and faced his enemies just as he taught us. The first words he spoke on the cross were even for their benefit. (Luke 23:34)
It is a difficult thing to do, but treating our enemies a certain way is part of being the image of God. From the beginning Jesus taught us to give our enemies:
- the other cheek (Matthew 5:39)
- our cloak (Matthew 5:40)
- an extra mile (Matthew 5:41)
- what he asks for (Matthew 5:42)
- what he borrows (Matthew 5:42)
Not only is it Christ-like to treat our enemies this way, it is our responsibility to try to get the Gospel to them. What better way to prove we are not like the world than to treat them in an unexpected way?
Daily Bible reading for October 2
Psalm 62
2 Samuel 22:1-23:7
Ezekiel 23
Luke 23:26-56
October 2, 2013
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