He is Kind to the Ungrateful and Wicked

For the last many months I've been thinking about the postures of Jesus. I deliberately began paying attention to the ways in which he is present in different situations, with the hope that I will be shaped to approach people with the same posture. 

In my reading of Luke 6 this morning, as I read on blessings and woes, and love for enemies, Jesus says of the Most High (God): 

"...he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." LUKE 6:35-56

OK... OUCH! 

Once again God's mercy challenges me! God does not pour out what the ungrateful and wicked deserve; rather he is kind and merciful. God furnishes what is needed, exercising compassion.  

I see Jesus on the cross, saying "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they are doing. And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching and the rulers even sneered at him."  LUKE 23:34-35

How does this affect my daily posture? 

• Instead of responding with resentment when people are ungrateful; exercise compassion
• Instead of responding with judgment and condemnation towards those whose conduct is outright wicked, exercise compassion and seek to understand. 

The words of Paul come to mind as he write about love in action" 

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  ROMANS 12:9-21

Lord, when my gut reaction is towards resentment, when I'm inclined to be cynical, snarky, or sarcastic; when my inclination is towards judgement and condemnation... I pray for your Holy Spirit to remind me of YOUR MERCY!  While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me... for the ungodly.  

We're all a work in progress!  I'd love to hear how this speaks to you today?