But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Luke 10

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” v29

We often look for ways to excuse ourselves from doing something we know we should be doing - such is the case with the expert in the law that questioned Jesus.  Perhaps the expert in the law had someone in mind that he would gladly help but there may be others less desirable to help.  Jon Bloom over at DesiringGod.com gets at this with this post.

It does not matter whether there are difficult people or difficult relationships in our life or whether someone appears to be unlovable - this is not a judgement we get to make as all are worthy of God's love and we should extend this love to all...not saying I do this but I strive to do this - and with God's help I can.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and You love me - and You love me despite my sin and despite the fact that there are many occasions (more than I like!) when I know I am unlovable - thank You Jesus for Your love - the greatest gift of all time.  I am undeserving of such love as I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me for failing to be bold in my faith, unashamed in my faith for my other sin.  Please help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?

Matthew 5

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? v46

Jesus provides us with instructions on how to address those we might otherwise deem unlovable, including those who seek to harm us.  It's simply not enough to love only those who love us or who we like - we must love everyone...all of the time, regardless of the circumstances.  We should not only not avoid these unlovable ones but go to them as Jesus did.

John Piper provides useful thoughts on loving difficult people, and how we should love God most to love others best.

Jesus shares a meal with sinners (Mark 2).

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing and incredible God who loves me even though I continue to sin! Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.