Luke 6:35-40

My friend, Lauren, is probably one of the best people on this planet. Kindness, patience, humility, gentleness—she’s got all the fruits of the spirit. Lauren interacts with people in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, important, loved. Everyone who has met Lauren loves her, and I genuinely feel lucky to call her my friend.

Loving people who are kind, generous, and gracious should be super easy. Those are the people who make you feel good about yourself and push you to be better. On the other hand, there are people in your life who make you feel worthless, inadequate, angry, and anxious. People who have hurt you intentionally (or even unintentionally) are not as easy to love. Those are the ones you’ve lost sleep over; the ones who’ve repaid your kindness with hostility. I’m not going to lie; as I write these words, my heart aches with the memories of mistreatment I’ve experienced in the past from people who I loved and respected. At times, I want to justify being harsh and unforgiving in my thoughts and actions, but I know God is calling me to a better way. God has called me to love, forgive, and show kindness to those people.

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.” Luke 6:35

All of this is only possible when we trust Jesus with our hurt, our past, and our future. This task of loving our enemy isn’t something Jesus is telling us to strive for in our own power so that we may earn His favor. He is telling His disciples to trust that His ways are better—better than hatred, bitterness, and defeat. Jesus wants us to trust Him with our struggles. Don't be afraid to honestly share your pain, anger, or unforgiveness with Him. His desire for you is healing and restoration, and as you submit your burdens to Him, He offers peace and love instead. When we follow His example, He changes us so that we reflect Christ to the world—that is when we make an impact for eternity.

Luke 6:40 tells us that we will become like the teacher we follow. Be careful who you follow. There are many people who will try to influence us in the world, but there is only one worthy of our devotion. Jesus is the only one who has lived a perfect life and the only one who gives us new life. My friend, Lauren, radiates light because of Christ. Like so many of us, she tried in her own strength to be good, but it was only when she gave her life to Christ that she began to love people like He loved her. Now as a believer, she faithfully trains to be more like Christ. Make sure you are pursuing the right teacher, Jesus.

In your pursuit to follow Jesus’ example, pray for the Holy Spirit to give you understanding and guidance. Then read the Bible to train in the Savior’s words, actions, and reactions. Jesus modeled prayer, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines which we will practice during next month’s “21 Days of Prayer” series, but you don’t have to wait for 2022 to begin training. This week as the new year approaches, take this opportunity to prepare your heart by studying the words of Jesus and following His example in every aspect of our lives—starting with love and forgiveness.

• As you read this scripture and this devotion, did an “enemy” come to your mind? Is there someone who needs to be shown mercy? Forgiveness? Stop and pray for God to help you love and forgive in that situation.

• Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17. How can you train this week to be more like Jesus? Commit to reading the Bible Reading Plan this week and challenge a friend to join you.

Father, thank you for Jesus and his example to His followers. Open my eyes to the ways of Jesus so that He is reflected in my life. Reveal more of yourself to me, day-by-day. Let your love shine through me so that my friends, my family, and my enemies could all see you and your love. Continue to change hearts and lives through your love, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Author: Amy Fontenot