The beloved physician Luke wrote how Jesus said, “Give to every man that asks of you; and of him that takes away your goods ask them not again. And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise”, and in chapter six and verse thirty-two of his book Luke shares how Jesus asked, “if you love them which love you, what thank have you?” where we read:
For if you love them which love you, what thank have you? for sinners also love those that love them.
The verse reads, “For if you love them which love you, what thank have you?” Luke began with the words, “for if you love them” or “because, since and on account whether Jesus' disciples welcome, entertain, are fond of, well-pleased with and contented with people whether male or female” “which love you” which means “who welcome, entertain, are fond of, well-pleased with and contented with Jesus' disciples”, “what thank have you” or “what grace, favor, delight, pleasure, sweetness and charm does Jesus' disciples own or possess”? Luke shared how Jesus asked the disciples listening to Him what “grace and favor” they obtain if they only “entertain, are fond of and well pleased with” people who “entertain, are fond of and are well pleased with” them
The verse continues, “for sinners also love those that love them.” Luke added the words, “for sinners” which means “because, since and on account that wicked men and people devoted to sin and vice” “also love those” or “even so and indeed welcome, entertain, are fond of, well-pleased and contented with people” “that love them” which means “who welcome, entertain, are fond of, well-pleased and contented with the sinners”. Luke shared how people who are “devoted to sinful practices” “love” people who “love” them.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we see how Jesus desired for there to be a difference between His disciples and people who were “sinners”. If His disciples only “loved” people who “love” them, they would only be doing as the world does. If, however, Jesus' disciples “loved” people who did not “love” them, they would demonstrate a “Kingdom” way of living that was like God. God loves people who do not love Him, and His desire is to have them believe and trust in His Son Jesus so they will know His “unmerited favor and love” toward people regardless of their spiritual state. Everyone is invited to yield their lives to Jesus Christ, and when they do, they shall receive the Holy Spirit of God that will help them “love” people they have never “loved” before.
Next time Luke shares how Jesus asks, “if you do good to them which do good to you, what thank have you?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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