Jesus was/is always raising the bar. He does the same thing with the concept of loving others. Read Matthew 5:43-48. Who does Jesus tell us to love? According to these verses why do you think he said that? Are there people like that in your life? What is one practical thing you can do to love them this week?
We are here to Love God and Love Others. It is not rocket surgery...yes I said rocket surgery. The really cool part is that doesn't necessarily have to look exactly the same for everyone of us. We are each wired with distinctive gifts, talents and passions. We begin to live the life we were created for when we Love God and Love others as we were each uniquely created to do.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies. WHat a strange concept. To love the people who persecute you and pray for them. God really does work in mysterious ways. But it makes sense, because we must make an example of ourselves and how we love any and all who come near us. We are not an exclusive club, but we accept any and all who wish to join us in Jesus. really what Jesus was asking us to do was to be beyond ordinary. Tax collectors where nice to their friends.. so Jesus raised the bar and said cmon guys we should just love everyone because the tax collectors are capable of loving themselves and their friends. We have to grow one another and force ourselves to grow by accepting others no matter what their circumstance.
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