But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. – Luke 9:55
REFERENCE
Luke 9:51-56
Love is one of the most frequently used words and talked about concepts, yet it is the most difficult to practice. Many people don’t even want to hear the word again because, it either places a demand on them or it has been used to take advantage of them.
However, as Christians, love is and will always be our BRAND. Jesus said, “…by this shall all men know you are My disciples…” (John 13:34&35).
A look at today’s passage gives us a glimpse of what it means to model love as a brand. Here, though Jesus had just been rejected by the Samaritans, He refused and rebuked His disciples for attempting to call down fire to consume them (perhaps, Jesus does not like many of our ‘fire burn my enemies’ prayers). In fact, in Luke 10, He still used them as an example of the God-kind of love in the story of the Good Samaritan.
Matthew 5:45 admonishes us to be like our Father Who shows His goodness to the just and unjust alike. Your flesh will definitely want you to be mean or take revenge on those who mistreat you, or your perceived enemies. But Jesus’ point of view says, “you don’t have to stoop low to their level just to get back at them.”
Pay back love for evil. Maintain your brand… your brand is LOVE!
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Proverbs 25:21-22, Matthew 5:43-48 & I John 4:20-21.
PRAYER POINTS
* Ask for grace to forgive and forget the deeds of those who have despitefully used you; and pray for tenderness of heart to show mercy where judgement is required.
* Bless those who have hurt you.
