Be Different

Daily Reading // Luke 5-6

(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)

https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog

S // SCRIPTURE

Select a verse from today’s reading

Luke 6:32-34 (NKJV) 32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 “And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.

O // OBSERVATION

Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text

There are natural behaviors that are pretty common: love those who love you; do good to those who do good to you; give to those who will give back.

In each of these cases there is a built-in underlying motivation. A condition has been met to receive good behavior. My behavior is conditional.

The legal term for this is Quid Pro Quo (this for that).

Good behavior that is conditional isn’t really that good at all.

A // APPLICATION

How can I apply this to my life today?

What makes a person different is this kind of behavior for no underlying reason at all. When there is no external motivation to do good am I motivated internally? Or am I just a this for that kind of person?

My dad used to joke, “Some people get paid to be good. Others are good for nothing.” In those terms, Jesus is calling me to be good for nothing.

When I receive absolutely nothing in return and I have absolutely nothing to gain do I love, do I give, do I do good? Even sacrificially?

If my behavior towards others is dependent upon what I get out of it then I am like everyone else. I am no different.

Be different.

P // PRAYER

Express yourself in prayer

Jesus, You showed me how to love unconditionally. Empower me to be different. Amen.