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Meditations in the Word—Luke 6:27-28

“Are we really supposed to love our enemies?” by Buck Dopp

  "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” 

A boss once discussed a new assignment that carried with it great responsibility and authority. He said, “You’re going to have people hate you who don’t even know you. They will consider you an enemy. Just do what you think is right and don’t let it bother you.”

I was skeptical of his prediction because I considered myself a fairly popular leader with people skills. But I was to learn that leadership involves making tough decisions that may affect others negatively. Our decisions and actions in life can put us in conflict with others—by doing the right things or by making mistakes. My boss was right and before long I had accumulated a few enemies. (I probably had some before this too, but was blissfully unaware of the fact.)

The two verses above were spoken by Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospel of Luke and tell us four things we are to do about our enemies: 1) love them, 2) do good to them, 3) bless them, and 4) pray for them. This is radical stuff! Loving, blessing and praying for those who hate us is so contrary to human nature.

Jesus’ teaching is expanded in Matthew 5:43-48. As sons and daughters of our heavenly Father who causes the sun to rise on the evil as well as the good we are told to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. As Christians, we are different; our standard of conduct is higher. Even tax collectors and pagans are nice to those who are nice to them, Jesus said. That’s no big deal. To love and pray for people who hate us, sets us apart as Christians but leads us to rewards.

“Heavenly Father, as you are perfect, righteous and good in all your dealings with humankind, may we follow your example and do good to all, even our enemies, and those who hate us, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Meditations in the Word—1 Corinthians 13:4-8

“What is God’s definition of love?” by Buck Dopp

 ”Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

 “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” 

                                             -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

 These verses describe and define “love” from God’s point of view. When we can apply these attributes and attitudes to our daily lives we will manifest love in all situations we encounter.

Of course, this is easier said than done. Sometimes we just don’t feel like being patient or kind yet God urges us to love anyway, regardless of how we feel. God’s love isn’t necessarily dependent on how our emotions are running on a particular day. Manifesting God’s love is a choice we can make in a principled way, even though our present circumstances, or feelings, may leave us less than inclined to approaching others with love.

^“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” –1 John 4:8

Since God is love, when we love others we are sharing God with them. Love is always the right thing to do. Love God first, love your neighbor as yourself and love yourself. Love never fails. You can’t lose by living your life in love. When we love others without expecting anything in return from them, the floodgates of blessings will open in our lives.

“Heavenly Father, the God of all love, thank you for giving your love to us, so that we might give it out to others. Help us this day to love you and others in all circumstances no matter how we might feel at the time. We ask this in the name of our risen Lord and Savior. Amen.”          

  Meditations in the Word—Mark 9:33-35     

     “How to be Great in the Kingdom of Heaven” by Buck Dopp

 ^“They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’”

                          --Mark 9:33-35 (NIV)

 ^“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’”

 ^“He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

                          --Matthew.18:1-4(NIV)                                                  

A lot of people aspire to greatness. That’s not a bad thing, especially if the motive of the heart is right. In these two gospel accounts, Jesus tells us how to achieve greatness: we must be willing to be last by putting others and their needs ahead of our own. We should serve others in love. If we would be great leaders we must be willing to render great service to others.

Jesus goes on to say that we are to become like little children and humble ourselves if we want to be among the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Other characteristics of little children come to mind as well: simple faith, trust in God, speaking truthfully and trying to do the right thing as you have been taught.

“Heavenly Father, with child-like humility and trust in you, I ask you to help me today to serve others in love, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Meditations in the Word Galatians 6:9-10 

                                “Don’t Give up” by Buck Dopp

”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

                                                 --Galatians 6:9, 10 (NIV)

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”

                                                 —Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

                                                  -- 1 Corinthians 15:58(NIV)

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These three verses tell us to keep giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord with the full assurance that we will reap a plentiful harvest for our efforts because God will not forget our work and love that we have shown him.

There are many things in this world that can occupy our thoughts and cause us to take actions or work toward certain ends. Some of these actions will become fruitful endeavors while others are simply a waste of our time. Our work in such cases is in vain and leads us to disappointment and even heartbreak.

Doing the work of the Lord which includes here, doing good to all and helping his people will always yield positive and fruitful results. That’s why we must never be discouraged and quit. God won’t forget our loving actions and at the appropriate time, he will reward us for our efforts.

“Dear Lord, thanks for reminding me that you are a good and just God. Give me the strength and endurance to do good to all I come in contact with and to especially work hard to serve your people. I won’t quit or be discouraged for my strength is in you. Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Meditations on the Word-- 2 Corinthians 9:11

“Being Enriched in Everything”—by Buck Dopp

"Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." (KJV)

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." (NIV)

The context of this great verse by Paul to the Corinthian church is to remind them of their promise to give financial support to the poor saints in Jerusalem as the Macedonians had done. We don't always see this important truth so it bears reminding ourselves that God makes us rich in every way, so that we can be generous to help others on every occasion that we might be called upon. Or put even more simply, we are made wealthy in every way so that we may be generous in every way.

We can't give what we don't have. God blesses us consistently with more than we actually need at any one given time so that we are in a position to help others with the surplus we have received. While the context is financial giving and support, the larger discussion centers on our spiritual riches as well. The use of the word "riches" in the Bible may be referred to metaphorically to describe our spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. "Riches" may also refer literally to material wealth. In this chapter, we see a discussion of both the spiritual and material riches available to the believers. True riches and abundance are spiritual in nature but will bear fruit in material abundance as well.

If our motive to acquire wealth is based on a desire to help others more effectively then we can be like Paul, "...as poor, yet making many rich (2 Cor. 6:10)." Spiritual wealth is greater than material wealth and gives us the foundation we need to acquire the financial prosperity which will be properly subordinated to God. The greatest example of all was our Lord, " For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor so that you through his poverty might become rich (2 Cor.8:9)."

An examination of these verses shows us that spiritual riches, while the most important thing we should seek in our walk with God, will also reap a literal harvest of material abundance that will enable us to be generous in helping those in financial need. Our gifts will also open the floodgates so that we can receive even more blessings.

"Dear Father, we appreciate the true riches you have given us which are spiritual in nature and are grateful for the material abundance, too. We will share both with others in need. We thank you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen."   

Meditations on the Word—Daniel 6:3-5

When Darius, king of Persia decided to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, he chose three administrators to rule over them. One of the three chosen to be the ruler of the rulers was Daniel. He was so outstanding in this role that the king planned to put Daniel over the whole kingdom.

Driven by jealousy and envy, the other administrators and satraps tried to undermine Daniel but his conduct was so exemplary and he was so trustworthy that they just couldn't do it. So they decided the only way they could ruin Daniel's ascension to greater leadership over the kingdom was to find something about the way he worshipped his God. They talked Darius into issuing an edict that if anyone prayed to a God or another man for 30 days he would be thrown in the lion's den. They knew that Daniel prayed to his God three times a day so this would easily ensnare him and eliminate Daniel as a threat to their power. In business, government, education and other fields, those who stand out among the crowd are often perceived by some as a threat. Selfish ambition, envy and fear of losing influence can cause others to sabotage colleagues who are excelling in their work. This was the situation Daniel faced.

Daniel responded by staying the course. He continued to pray three times a day and do his job to the best of his ability. Daniel did not try to dialogue with those opposed to him nor did he retaliate or seek vengeance. He didn't lower himself by playing their game. Daniel’s enemies did succeed in getting him thrown into the lion's den but God sent an angel to protect Daniel from the lions. Those who had falsely accused Daniel were thrown into the lion's den with their families. As is often the case, people get caught in the traps they set for others.

Darius issued a decree that every part of the kingdom had to have reverence and fear for Daniel's God and Daniel continued to prosper during the reign of Darius.

"Dear God, help us to be the best workers we can possibly be so that we can glorify you and our Lord Jesus. Help us to love and pray for our colleagues, even those who may oppose us from time to time. We know that as we seek your face and walk on the Word in our professions, you will take care of us.  We thank you for this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”