Day 282.
“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. (Luke 6:32-36 ESV)
We are to love our enemies because this is what God does. He is “kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” This is what grace is. It is love poured out upon the one who wrongs you. This is what God does with us. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Lord, would you grant me this graciousness to my enemies and know that it is you in me that is at work.
