Reading your Bible for today June 22

June 22: Luke 6:27-36

KJV Key Verse: Luke 6:36
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Devotion:
When Jesus taught He would continue talking to everyone who was within ear-shot and not just the disciples because He knew people would be listening. I suppose the thing which most people remember about His teachings is that of being merciful; being able to apply mercy to others as He was going to do to us all. He knew what lay ahead, and yet He continued to go forward and teach peace and understanding. He knew we would end up having huge wars and wars which would seemingly see no end but He continued to speak so those who were willing to listen would listen and learn!

He teaches us to give to everyone their full due; to be honest and just in our dealings. How do we judge that honesty? If we lived in a perfect world we would expect all sorts of things to be carried out for us in the right manner – that is what we should be doing for others. We need to set the standard which others can look to. Christ has already done that, but we need to continue on in the same vein to make sure others see it too. What would you like others to do for you when you are feeling down or out of sorts? How about doing the same for someone else when you see then down or out of sorts!

Giving freely is something we all find hard. When we give, we do expect something in return, no matter how much or little. Being able to give and not to expect anything in return is what we need to aspire to. God has supplied us with a free gift we can never repay. He knew that. He did not expect anything in return!

Being generous in our forgiving is another thing in our lives we do find hard. Invariably we will forgive to a certain extent – but beware anyone who oversteps the mark we have drawn! Being generous with our forgiving means forgiving over and above that which we see fit. Christ has given us perfect forgiveness, why should we aim for anything less?

Points to Ponder:
Do you show more mercy to friends or family (be truthful how you answer)?

How much more has Christ forgiven you?