How can we reflect God's "kindness to the ungrateful and wicked" today? Scripture Focus “ But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” — Luke 6:35 Seeing God’s Heart • God’s kindness is not selective; it reaches “the ungrateful and wicked.” • Romans 5:8 reminds that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His mercy met us first. • Psalm 145:9 underscores that “The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all His creatures.” Why Reflect This Kindness • It showcases family likeness: “you will be sons of the Most High” (Luke 6:35). • It testifies to grace, not merit—just as Titus 3:4-5 states we were saved “according to His mercy.” • It fulfills Jesus’ call in Matthew 5:44-45 to love enemies, mirroring the Father who sends rain on all. Practical Expressions of Kindness • Speak respectfully even toward hostile voices; resist sarcasm and ridicule. • Offer tangible help—meals, rides, childcare—without expecting gratitude. • Lend or give resources freely when needs arise; let God track the “return.” • Pray daily for those who wrong you, asking God to bless them. • Celebrate any evidence of grace in their lives rather than replaying offenses. • Support ministries that serve difficult populations (prisons, rehab centers, hostile regions). • Engage with calm listening when opinions clash; answer with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Guarding the Heart During Opposition • Remember God’s past kindness to you; gratitude fuels perseverance. • Draw boundaries when needed, yet release personal vengeance to God (Romans 12:19). • Stay connected to Scripture; Ephesians 4:32 calls to “be kind and tenderhearted… forgiving.” • Practice lament privately, not retaliation publicly. Promises for Those Who Persevere • “Your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35) — eternal recognition from the Father. • Galatians 6:9 affirms a harvest “in due season” if we do not give up. • Inner freedom replaces bitterness; Proverbs 25:21-22 describes blessing and divine favor that follow enemy kindness. Closing Reflection God’s kindness reached us when we were undeserving; extending that same kindness to the ungrateful and wicked lets the world glimpse the character of our Father and opens doors for the gospel to flourish. |
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