Luke 6:31–34 The Context: In this part of The Sermon on the Mt. Jesus is challenging us to not live like the world around us. Jesus was noticing people who commonly talk about love, and say they love people but they only actually love those who love them. God Asks Us: as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
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. (Matt 5:46-47) Ponder:
Read the context: Luke 6
? What "benefits," or "credits" is Jesus suggesting some people expect?
? What kind of "love" comes naturally to all of us?
? How is this challenge to love rightly displayed and felt especially a Christmas?
? What is Jesus' answer to the dilemma and how can it be applied properly?
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