Be Mercyful

Tradition and Wisdom
Teaching and Learning:
Living as God's People

Luke 6:32-36

The Message

 ^31-34"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
 ^35-36"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

For Reflection
The righteous do nothing with the expectation of a return.  The righteous give because it is the right response to God's love.  If one expects a return on his investment of good works he is not doing good works.  To expect a return means that one thinks that he or she is responsible for or the cause of another's reward.  Only God is responsible and the source of transformation.  We are merely the vessels of his grace.   Do good and expect nothing.  Live a satisfying life in the hollow of God's hand.

Pray
that God will work His grace through you.  Pray that you will grow into grace.  Pray to find the joy inherent in good work.  Pray for the satisfaction of knowing Jesus walks by your side.