February 23, 2025 Daily Dose of Discernment

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Love is the unearned, unprompted, indiscriminate, no-strings-attached intention for the good of another, often at cost to oneself. This is a controversial statement but by its very definition, love is one-way. This is also why God, who is love and the authority on it, commands us to have it even for our enemies. If we make people earn it, if we have to be told to give it, if it's selective and conditional, or if it expects something in return, it's not love.

Jesus said if we love only those who love us, then we are no different from the world. That relationship is more like a transaction than compassion. But if we love the unlovable, like our Heavenly Father who loves both the righteous and the unrighteous, then that will prove we are His sons more dogma or doctrine.