Loving Forgiving and Giving like Jesus 230225 Holy Light LC.pptx

I spoke from Luke 6:27-38. Today, there is a lot of emotion especially online, with people willing to share what they feel to the world, without restraint. The world is largely transactional, we only give when we know what we are getting in return
Summary:
1. While it is okay to hate your enemies in the world today, Jesus calls us to be different and love our enemies
2. Jesus says be merciful as the Father is merciful. He sets a standard that no one can meet without the help of the Holy Spirit
3. While we do not do to receive, God is gracious, if we do He is generous to give.
So we do what we can while we can with Him whom can help us do it.

1. Loving, Forgiving and Giving like Jesus 7 th Sunday after Epiphany: 23 rd February 2025 All scripture references taken from https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/index.php All images and visuals taken from the Internet

2. What is going on today?

3. What is going on today? A World that only gives to get …. TRANSACTIONAL Help… for a reward Work… to be compensated Sacrifice… for a price

4. What happened before this? Composition of the Kingdom

5. Today … What does God’s Word have to say to us today? Luke 6: 27-38

6. Love Your Enemies 27  “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  28  bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.  29  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.  30  Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.  31  And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

7. What is the message for TODAY? Verses 27-31: Love your Enemies Then: In Jesus’ time, hatred for enemies was considered normal. The Jewish people were under Roman occupation, and many long for revenge. Jesus’ teaching was radical because it called for active love — doing good, blessing, and praying for enemies . This was not just about avoiding hatred but actively responding with kindness.

8. What is the message for TODAY? Verses 27-31: Love your Enemies Now: We live in a world that values retaliation—whether in politics, social media, or personal conflicts. But Jesus calls us to counteract hatred with love . Loving our enemies does not mean agreeing with them, but it means refusing to return evil for evil and instead showing God’s grace . Action: Who is your “enemy” today? Is it a difficult colleague, a hurtful family member, or someone who has wronged you? Start by praying for them , as Jesus commanded.

9. 32  “If you love those who love you, what benefit 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 benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.  34  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.  35  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.  36  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

10. Verses 32-36: Be merciful as your Father is merciful Then: In Jewish culture, generosity was often shown within one’s social group. However, Jesus calls for a higher standard —loving and giving even when there is no benefit. The phrase “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” is key—it reminds us that our standard is not other people but God’s mercy .

11. What is the message for TODAY? Verses 32-36: Be merciful as your Father is merciful Now: The world often asks, "What’s in it for me?" But as Christians, we are called to show mercy even when it’s undeserved . This applies in workplaces, families, and society— choosing grace over grudges, mercy over revenge . Action: Find one person this week to show unexpected mercy to—maybe someone who has hurt you, or someone in need.

12. Judging Others 37  “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;  38  give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

13. Verses 37-38: The Measure You Give is the Measure You Get Then: The imagery of “measure” comes from the marketplace, where merchants would measure grain. A generous merchant would shake down the grain, so the customer received the fullest amount possible. Jesus is teaching that those who judge harshly will receive harsh judgment, but those who give generously will receive God’s abundant blessing .

14. Verses 37-38: The Measure You Give is the Measure You Get Now: In a culture where people are quick to criticize, judge, and tear down , Jesus calls us to gracious generosity in how we speak, act, and give. This does not mean we avoid speaking the truth, but we do so with love and mercy . Action: How are you treating others? Are you quick to criticize or quick to extend grace? Challenge yourself to speak words of kindness this week instead of judgment.

15. Living the Radical Love of Christ Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:27-38 is not just a moral guideline but a call to reflect God's heart in our daily lives. In a world that values revenge, judgment, and self-interest , Christ calls us to love radically, show mercy, and be generous —just as our Heavenly Father is. This kind of love is countercultural, difficult, and costly —but it is also the most powerful testimony of Christ in us .

16. A Challenge for This Week ✅ Love beyond limits – Show kindness to someone who has hurt you or disagrees with you. ✅ Extend mercy – Forgive freely and let go of resentment. ✅ Give generously – Not just money, but time, encouragement, and grace. ✅ Speak life – Replace criticism with words of kindness and blessing. 🔹 Who is one person you can love, forgive, or bless this week? Pray for them and act!

17. Verse 1 I want to be Your servant Lord, To serve You each and every day I want to give my best to You, Approved in every way, Approved in Every Way

18. Chorus:- Make my life a living sacrifice, The way You want me to be To serve You with all my heart, Whatever the cost to me Take me , break me, mould me Lord, As the Potter shapes the clay Pleasing You in all I do, Approved in every way.

19. Verse 2 I’ll stand before Your righteous throne, To hear “Thou good and faithful one” “Well Done”, from the Master’s lips, Approved in every way

20. Chorus:- Make my life a living sacrifice, The way You want me to be To serve You with all my heart, Whatever the cost to me Take me , break me, mould me Lord, As the Potter shapes the clay Pleasing You in all I do, Approved in every way.