November 26, 2008

I am reading a book by Timothy Keller called "Ministries of Mercy- The Call of the Jericho Road". As I read I am painfully aware of my need to grow in so many areas! One of these areas is in loving the unlovely. Keller writes:

"Since Christ’s mercy was not based on our worthiness, our mercy
must not be given to those who reach some standard of worthiness"

1. Luke 6:32-36 (English Standard Version)
"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

May we learn to generously love the unlovely- as the Father loves us!