“Do To Them Likewise” (Luke 6:27-31)

"Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

Love others, and do them good, even if they wrong you.

We are not “eye for an eye” people. We have obtained mercy, so we're under orders to be gracious and merciful. We can't take the water of life without being changed into the image of Him who gives it.

The gospel isn't a message that makes the character less important than the law. The law makes your behavior the basis of salvation; the gospel makes it the fruit or evidence, the result. The law demands holiness or punishes; the gospel GIVES holiness because Christ died for you, and there is no condemnation, no eye for an eye from God, for He paid you back in the Son, unto death.

Don't live a hateful, judgmental life. Jesus said, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven... For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:37). Therefore, deal with people upon the basis of the mercy that you've received. This doesn’t mean you tolerate wrongs without reproof. He says elsewhere, “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgiven him” (Luke 17:3). We are allowed to stand up for ourselves and call for help if someone harms us. But, our attitude is love towards your vilest enemies. He teaches us plainly, “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27). Live to win them over God's way, doing GOOD to those who've harmed you.

We hear of horrible things happening to people, but when they forgive, the damage is unable to keep them down. They've conquered.

You hear stories of reconciliation, how love prevails in the end. Someone was offended or angry, and perpetual love broke them. Even the prodigal came back because he knew his father treated the servants well.

Be loving, not vengeful or indifferent. Stretch yourself out to those who've smitten you, turning the other cheek, and loving again (1 Kings 17:21). He who is our King says, “To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29). Give to those who need it, even if “thanks” isn't on their tongue, and give in the freeness of your soul.

Merit makes men mean; mercy makes them godly.