A Call to Examine our Hearts
There was a time when we came to Jesus broken — humbled by our unworthiness and desperate for grace. That brokenness led us to surrender our lives to him. But somewhere along the journey, have we forgotten that posture?
If we now believe it is right not to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), not to repay evil with good (Romans 12:17–21), not to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) — but instead feel justified to curse those who hurt us, to pray that they meet violent ends, or to harbor vengeance in our hearts — then we must pause and ask ourselves:
Whose child are we?
What God do we truly follow?
What has really changed in us since we came to Christ?
Because it looks as though we are pouring new wine into old wineskins (Luke 5:37–38) — trying to live by the Spirit while clinging to the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16–17). And how different does that truly look to the world around us?
The way of Christ is not easy, but it is unmistakable. It calls us to love where hate is expected, to bless where curses are deserved, and to reflect the same mercy we ourselves have received (Luke 6:36).
If that is not our way, then we must ask again:
Have we really let him change us?
Reflection Point:
God’s children reflect their Father’s nature. To belong to him means to love as he loves, even when it hurts.
Key Verse
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” — Luke 6:36 (NRSV)
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