OUR DAILY BREAD : PAY IT BACKWARD

[cimi]

December 13
Thursday


PAY IT
BACKWARD

READ:
Luke 6:27-36
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If you do good to those
who do good to you,
what credit is that to
you? __ Luke 6:33
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Would you pay the bill for the people in the car behind you at a fast-food drive-thru-even if you didn't know them?

That was the challenge given by a local Christian radio station to change their community. It was called "The Drive-Thru Difference." The goal was to do a Christlike act of kindness for people who didn't expect it and to leave a note saying you did it because of your love for Christ.

Why do this? Why spend money for someone else's food-especially someone we don't know and who may be hostile to the faith? Why give without any hope of return? It sounds countercultural, but the idea has strong biblical basis.

Notice what Jesus said as He addressed a large crowd: "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? (Luke 6:32-33). Clearly, Jesus wants us to do good to people who can in no way pay us back.

Whether we're paying someone's bill at Taco Bell or dropping change into the Salvation army kettle, our concern should be selfless giving--whether we get credit for it or not. In Jesus' name, who can you bless today? __ Dave Branon
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Be a servant of the Lord~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~And do not look for a reward:~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Not for glory or for fame,~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~Just give freely in His name. __ Rowarth~~~~~~~~~
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The motive of giving reveals the character
of the giver more than the gift itself.

******************Today's Bible Reading __ Luke 6:27-36***********

27 But I say to you who
hear: Love your enemies,
do good to those who hate
you, 28 bless those who
curse you, and pray for
those who spitefully use
you. 29 To him who strikes
you on the one cheek, offer
the other also. and from
him who takes away your
cloak, do not withhold your
tunic either. 30 Give to
everyone who asks of you.
And from him who takes
away your goods do not ask
them back. 31 and just as
you want men to do to you,
you also do to them
likewise.

32 But if you love those
who love you, what credit
is that to you? For even
sinners love those who love
them. 33 And if you do good
to those who do good to
you, what credit is that to
you? For even sinners do
the same. 34 And if you lend
to those from whom you
hope to receive back, what
credit is that to you? For
even sinners lend to sinners
to receive as much back.

35 But love your enemies,
do good, and lend, hoping
for nothing in return; and
your reward will be great,
and you will be sons of the
Most high. for He is kind
to the unthankful and evil.

36 Therefore be merciful,
just as your Father also is
merciful.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Our command is to love everyone. Jesus instructs his followers
to find ways to do good not only to friends but also to enemies!
(Luke 6:35). Later, Paul would emphasize the imperative to help our
brothers and sisters in Christ: "Therefore, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of
faith" (Gal. 6:10). In reflecting on how to do this, a helpful guideline
is: "Find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it." __HDF