Thursday, September 12, 2013 - How often have you done something for someone else without any expectation whatever? Will you do something like this today?

To read the texts click on the texts: Col 3:12-17; Lk 6:27-38

After pronouncing the beatitudes and woes, the Lucan Jesus goes on to speak of love of enemies. The disciples are called to be actors rather than reactors. They are to love their enemies and bless and pray for those who are against them. How this is to be done practically is then illustrated. Disciples are to offer no resistance to the violent and are to be generous in their giving expecting nothing in return. 

The Golden rule is stated positively here and by placing it in this context, Luke probably intends that this is how the disciples must respond to those who are against them. 

Our relationships generally are based on barter exchange. If someone does good to us then we will do good to that person in turn. However, the Lucan Jesus calls his disciples to go beyond and to build relationships based on unconditional love. The last two verses of this section deal with not judging and not condemning. These are followed by two positive prescriptions to forgive and give freely without measure.