Verse of the Day 7/27

Verse of the Day 7/27

Luke 6:27-28

New International Version

 But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Yesterday we considered from Proverbs 5 how all of our ways, all that we do, is in full view of the Lord.  He sees it all.  He also knows the intents and emotions of the heart. Today's verses are a reminder that He also sees, knows what we do not do.  He realizes, recognizes when we don't do what we know is best in a situation, especially when it comes to dealing with "enemies", those who we may have disagreements with, theologically, politically or otherwise.

It is easy to read these verses and see the "highlights" such as "do good", "bless those", and "pray for" others, even our enemies, those who mistreat us.  But what caught my attention this morning was the lead in to the verse in the New International Version, "but to you who are listening".  We read the Bible, listen to sermons, do Bible studies and listen to Christian radio but are we really listening.  If so, we will do what God tells us in His Word.  It all starts with love.

You may have instructed a child in the way to do something and then off they go and start doing something else.  Have you ever said "are you listening to me, did you hear what I just said?  Now you know how God feels about us at times, all too often perhaps.

If we are the body of Christ, let us show that we are listening and love others, even our enemies.

And we are the body of Christ  But if we are the body  Why aren't His arms reaching?  Why aren't His hands healing?  Why aren't His words teaching?  And if we are the body  Why aren't His feet going?  Why is His love not showing them there is a way?  Jesus is the way  Jesus is the way  we are His hands  We are His feet  We are His body  Jesus is the way

Jesus paid much too high a price  For us to pick and choose who should come.   (If We are the Body - Casting Crowns)

Blessings, 

Mike 

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,

in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Luke 6:27-30
New International Version
Love for Enemies


27 "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.