Kindness and goodness
Today's focusJesus calls his followers to treat others as they would want to be treated and to do good even to the ungrateful, reflecting the Father's own kindness and mercy.
Read
31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Reflection
Jesus invites you into a way of living that goes far beyond what comes naturally. It is easy to love those who love you or to help those who will surely pay you back. But Jesus asks, "if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye?" He calls you to a higher path: to "do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again." This means treating others exactly "as ye would that men should do to you," even when they cannot or will not return the favor.
When you show goodness to those who are difficult or "unthankful," you are reflecting the very heart of God. The passage reminds us that the "Highest" is "kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." By choosing to "be ye therefore merciful," you show that you are truly "the children of the Highest." Your kindness to an enemy or a stranger is not wasted; it is a powerful mirror of your Father’s mercy, which he gives freely to all.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Who could you show unexpected kindness to this week, especially someone who cannot repay you?
Pray
Merciful Father, you are kind even to the ungrateful, and you have been so kind to me. Make me generous and merciful like you. Show me one person I can bless today without expecting anything back.