Disciples Live and Love as God
Expects Rather than as Man Expects

These quotes are literally age-old Bible “isms” long heard from Jesus: “Love your enemies” and “love your neighbor”. They remain with us, are familiar even to non-believers, and can be rolled off the tongue almost without thought – which in itself may be a problem. When Jesus said to love your enemies and do good to the poor, He backed up that talk with His walk, His life, and His death. He was intentional about that walk – to the death (and resurrection).

Let's allow Jesus’ example of loving His enemies to inspire us as we follow in His footsteps and live out our discipleship. We too can walk the talk and embrace God’s call to love our neighbors, even the ones who fall into the category of enemies.

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to assist the way you live and love so that you can be accused of acting “just like your Father”!

Micro-Meditation Scripture

Psalm 51:7-12

7Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Micro-Meditation Action

Read the verses of the Psalm two times.  Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.

Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.

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Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point

Look at David’s requests: Cleanse me, wash me, let me hear, let me rejoice, hide your face, blot out, create in me, renew me, do not cast me away, restore me. Which ones are you connecting with? Any? Why is that?