FEBRUARY 6 | LUKE 6:27-36
- Judy Webb
- Feb 6, 2025
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Upsy-Daisy
by Judy Webb
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.” (Luke 6:35 NLT)
We live in an upside-down world where good is often considered bad, and bad is portrayed as good. We, as Christians, need to take a moment to think this through using God’s Word for a vehicle of discernment. Most assuredly this concept isn’t found anywhere in the Scriptures as right thinking. Many are confused about things that once were very clear.
Our scripture reading for today is painting a picture for us of right thinking. An idea which we have strayed from practicing. Some of us have forgotten what ‘good’ means. Here are a few examples from today’s text:
· Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you (v.27)
· Pray for those who hurt you (v.28)
· If someone slaps you—turn the other cheek (v.29)
· Don’t pursue revenge (v.30)
· Practice the Golden Rule (v.31)
These commands run counter to our up-side down thinking and is causing great disorder! What can you or I do to make things right again (right-side up)? Just maybe by gently adjusting our thinking and returning to simpler ways and embracing truth while rejecting lies.
There is a song from the musical, “Annie Get Your Gun” which boasts about doing what comes naturally. The example in those lyrics address our sinful nature. Sin comes naturally to us until we learn otherwise.
During my study the past few days I have been drawn to Psalm 1 where I was reminded of those days before I knew God’s Word, before understanding began to dawn. I now see that I had been living so many years doing what came naturally.
Verse four opened up before me:
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, whose delight is in the law (Word) of the Lord, and who meditates on His law, day and night. Psalm 1:1-2)
PRAYER
Lord, I want to meditate on your way all the time. I want to understand how doing so will change me and then I can attempt to change my own little world. Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with a desire for Your Word and an understanding of how this will change everything!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Good reminder, Judy. As I read it reaffirmed how important it is for me to ponder on God's Word daily. Knowing His Word will help me carry the right attitude as I go through my day. Thank you for the perfect Psalm 1 reference.