Radical Living – Toni Babcock
God doesn’t weigh people’s goodness or badness on a scale and divvy out his blessings accordingly, and neither should we. Even though it might be tempting to question whether people deserve what we have to offer, it’s not our place to withhold a blessing until we’re satisfied they deserve it. If we believe in Jesus, we are ambassadors for Christ. What better way to share His grace than being a blessing to people who don’t deserve it?
Jesus taught his disciples to be radical in giving of themselves. He said “If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also. If anyone takes away your coat, don’t hold back your shirt either. Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, don’t ask for them back. Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them,” (Luke 6:29-31 CSB).
He also said “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure —pressed down, shaken together, and running over — will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you,” (Luke 6:37-38 CSB).
How could Jesus expect his followers to live and love so radically? Because he knew they’d receive power from on high through the Holy Spirit following his resurrection—a power that would enable them to live a supernatural kind of life—the life of Jesus Christ, available to all who receive Him.
Toni M. Babcock is author of The Stone Writer, Christian Fiction for Young Readers and Teens, and Reflections from the Heart in Light of the Gospel of Jesus. Contact |
