Christianity 401: Be Sons and Daughters of the Most High

Let’s continue to look closely at some of Jesus’s toughest teachings - His relational commands, most of which are found in Luke 6, verses 27-36.

After teaching the “Golden Rule,” Jesus says this:  “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6:35).

Here, Jesus is summarizing His previous teachings.  He emphasizes the basis for why we are to treat others well even when they don’t deserve it.

It’s because that's what God does with us.  

Think about it.  He pours out rain, sunshine, and air to all people everywhere.  He gives us food to eat and love to share.  All receive His abundant grace.  

No one really deserves God’s bountiful grace.  Yet even the ungodly and rebellious receive His kindness.  The same is especially true with the gift of eternal life.  While we were still sinners, God sent His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8).

And that’s how we are to show Christ’s love to others, including our enemies - we imitate our heavenly Father.  We love as He loves - even when it’s undeserved. 

Let’s love as God has loved His world.  Yes, even love the godless.  The rebellious.  The unrighteous.  When we do, we are never more like Jesus.

And we can then be called God’s sons and daughters.