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LUKE - Christ, the Savior of the World
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to Luke

PART 3 - JESUS' MINISTRY IN GALILEE (Luke 4:14 - 9:50)

7. The Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6:20-49)


LUKE 6:27-36
27 “But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don’t withhold your coat also. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. 31 “As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. 32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.

In some philosophies and religions of the world, you may find a constitution for the love of God and men. But you may not find such a constitution for unconditional forgiveness of enemies, for the followers of those beliefs are not certain of God’s remission of their sins. They are uncertain and doubtful about his mercy. Their depiction of their god stamps their culture, and influences their characters.

Yet, our God is Love. His mercy is limitless. He has given his only begotten Son so that we might be delivered by him. This redemption of our God changed our insight, and turned us around: we love as he loves us, and forgive as he forgives us. He was patient to us, and did not destroy us when we blasphemed angrily against him. He did good to us when we displeased him, and blessed us when we overstepped his limits.

Christ is the image of our God. He was stricken, but remained silent. He was crowned with thorns, but blessed his tormenters. His blood was shed, and his face was spat upon. He loved the ungodly and adulterers, and prayed while hanging on the infamous tree, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Don’t you see that Christ is the good example to all mankind? Unfortunately, none of us is righteous. We are all corrupt, wicked, and evil. But Christ died for us that we might be restored by his death. He gave us his Spirit, in order that the love of God should dwell in our hearts. He gave us the right of his sonship, that we might call God “our Father”. Do you realize your privilege? God loves you, though you were his enemy, inasmuch as he gave his only begotten Son that you, once disobedient, should become his dear son. When will you thank him for his love, and respond to it, committing yourself completely in obedience, obeying with eternal thankfulness to him?

Listen, faithful brother: Christ pulls you out of your natural human corruption to express the highest degree of your thankfulness, for he commands you, “Be merciful as your Father is merciful” Are you not frightened of this commandment? Do not be afraid, for the mercy of your Father is great. He offers you power that you may be merciful to others, just as your Father is merciful. How does this happen? It happens only through believing in Christ and his justification. The Holy Spirit dwells in your heart. This merciful Spirit is your Father’s Spirit. Essence from his essence, and light from his light. Does the Spirit of God dwell in you? Come to Christ, and ask him to change your stony heart into a merciful heart. Then you will love your fellow men, forgive your enemies and bear with those that are difficult, with your Father’s patience. The mercy of God in your heart is not only an emotional feeling, but it urges you to sacrifice. Words are often cheap, but money, bread, and clothes are valuable. How much do you monthly give? Your giving in comparison with your income shows the extent of your love. You are not compelled to help the poor, or to contribute to your church, for love does not know obligation, but privilege in sacrifice. If the Spirit of your Father dwells in you, you will help those who are without work, lend to those who are experiencing hardship, and pray to help others in practical ways. If you serve your church in the name of Christ, you will receive a great wage, for your Lord will increase your power for service, increase people’s contempt for you, and increase your sufferings that you may become closer to the image of his love and forgiveness. God himself rewards bear the cross.

In all your diligence in bringing up the next generation, and in helping the poor, you will soon know that charitiy is important, but salvation of the heart is more important. The capital of believers is usually small, but the power of their prayer is great. The continuous contributions of the poor accompanied by their prayers are more powerful than the large and considerable contributions which may be offered by the rich. God knows your heart. Are you merciful, as your Father is?

PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, my heart is like a stone. I love myself first. Please forgive my selfishness, change my heart, and renew my mind, in order that money should not be my god, but you crucified. Help me to have your meekness. May I see you hanging bleeding on the cross, that I may also sacrifice myself for love. Be merciful to me that I may also become merciful.

QUESTION 52: Why must Christians love their enemies?

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