MAR - Live Like It
This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
Matthew 5:45-48 MSG
In the Bible these verses are in Red Letters. Jesus himself declared this message in the middle of a city, teaching the public, his disciples, anyone who would hear him.
At this time, racism is running rampant, poverty is all people had, crime was up, money was down. People were concerned because food wasn’t cheap, resources were limited.
Just like today.
Jesus tells them:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Jesus was changing culture, nobody thought like this. This wasn’t even on their radar.
He’s saying, “I know this world seems worldly and vicious, but let me remind you that are a part of my kingdom. This life on Earth is not your final destination.”
The enemies Jesus is referring to, God doesn’t punish them. He shines the same sun over them, he’s challenging our behavior, our mentality.
This is why Jesus came to earth, this is what he came to teach.
To care for the hurting, to heal the broken, the comfort the lonely.
Enemies? You don’t have any. You have people that you love on, even when they’re rude, bad at communication, hard to work with. Pray for them, love them. Don’t be fake about it, be real about it.
You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
Do you have people you should be loving instead of fighting with?
Can you take a moment to pray for them?
Can you invite them to SYA Service on April 1st?