OUTRAGEOUS GOD-IMITATING GENEROSITY

The 5th Sunday of Easter

PROVERBS 25:21-22 (MSG)
If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch;
if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness,
and God will look after you.

LUKE 6:35 (MSG)
“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Surprise the hell out of your enemies through your outrageous God-imitating generosity.

DAILY FODDER
How can Jesus say that you'll not regret giving to your enemies without expecting return? What should we expect? Does he mean we should literally do this? If not, what does he mean?

PRAYER
God, you sent your Son to save us while we were living as rebellious children. Forgive my failure to grasp the magnitude and the implications of grace. I don't think I'm capable of this kind of grace on my own and since you're the expert I'd appreciate having some personalized instruction. Under your tutelage I want to become an expert at disrupting the pattern of sin in the world by loving my enemies. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.