Great Plains Daily Devotional for 12/6/2019

Throughout Advent, we will read the book of Luke together.  You are invited to pause for a few minutes, quiet your soul and read contemplatively Luke 6.

After reading the entire chapter, pause and read the highlighted verses below for further reflection.

 

Today‘s focus is on verses Luke 6: 27-36.
 But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. “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.
 

Meditate

1. Depending on your perspective, you look at this text as a list of impossible commands or as a loving challenge. We are all created in the image of a loving God.  We don’t always live that way.  In this Advent season, take a moment to rediscover the power of God’s love. Would you like to live in love? Take a moment to listen to God right where you are. Listen with the ear of your heart.
2. Who are the great loves in the pages of your life? Name them and meditate on their lives. Draw courage from their love. Who are your enemies? Bring into the oven of your heart people you don’t like very much, those you have gossiped about, those you envy, those who have hurt you. Having brought these people into your heart, pray for each one.  What can you learn from each person? Do you need to forgive anyone?

(Questions are adapted from The Song of the Seed by Macrina Wiederkehr)

Share
On social media — either Facebook, Twitter or Instagram —share an image and/or your reflections on today’s chapter. Please share only images that you have taken or for which you own the rights.  Be sure to include the hashtags #GPUMCAdvent and #Luke6 as we reflect together in community.

 

Prayer for Reflection

Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44