Are We Listening?

Luke 6:27-38

"But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

Beloved congregation, today, as we delve into the profound teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ found in Luke 6:27-38, I invite you to ponder a single question: “Am I Listening?” Today’s lesson challenges us to rise above our natural inclinations and embody the radical love and generosity that Jesus exemplifies. Let us explore two key points from this passage that call us to a higher standard of discipleship. Are you Listening?

The first point I wish to make is found in verses 27-31: Jesus commands us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. These instructions are not mere suggestions but radical imperatives that redefine how we relate to others, especially those who oppose us. Jesus goes further by teaching us to turn the other cheek, offer our shirts when our coats are taken, and give to everyone who asks. These actions urge us to embody a love that is selfless and sacrificial, reflecting God's infinite mercy. But how can we genuinely love those who have wronged us or wish us harm? What steps can we take to bless and pray for our adversaries?

Well, although it may seem a nonsensical answer to those who have not received it, the answer lies in the transformative power of God's grace. When we consider Christ's immense sacrifice on the cross, we are reminded that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). This act of ultimate love and forgiveness sets the standard for how we should treat others, regardless of their actions towards us. Jesus, in His divine wisdom, understood that loving our enemies is not only a command but a pathway to spiritual freedom and growth.

When we choose to love our enemies, we break the cycles of hatred and resentment that can consume our hearts and separate us from God. We allow God’s grace to work through us, bringing healing and reconciliation. In a world that often values retribution and self-preservation, this call to love is countercultural and profoundly challenging. However, it is precisely this challenge that can transform our hearts and communities.

We must ask ourselves why society has become so cynical and condescending toward others. Perhaps we have been conditioned to see others as competitors rather than brothers and sisters in Christ. Our culture often promotes individualism and self-interest, leading to a breakdown in trust and empathy. It also is why there is a breakdown in community activities, clubs, and groups that seek to do good. I believe this social normalization of individualism is also why traditional churches across America are not growing anymore. This mindset can cause us to view others with suspicion and disdain rather than with the love and compassion that Jesus exemplifies. It becomes easy to point fingers and find a “bad guy.” The concept of a common enemy is a powerful draw to get people to come together. Reformed churches have, over the last few decades, frowned upon using fear tactics to increase their numbers. The old-fashioned “hellfire and brimstone” sermons are few and far between. Reformed pastors also do not preach too much about the devil and his tactics of isolation and damnation of individuals’ souls. But the devil is whispering in your ear all day, every day. The question is, to whom are you listening?

I’ll tell you that just because we don’t preach about it regularly, and just because we don’t beat that drum every Sunday, doesn’t mean that the devil isn’t working on each of us. He’s trying to isolate us, to make us question our convictions and the things we learned long ago when we were children in Sunday school. Are you hearing the Devil's whispers that sow doubt and resentment?

Intellectually, we know better, don’t we? We all will say “YES” to the golden rule, but we turn around and say, “Those people do not deserve the things I have been given. They are not like me, like us.” And we begin to feel closer to others who also say that, and we may even invoke an Old Testament verse or two to help us. Remember, even the devil can quote scripture. But what the devil will never do is quote Jesus! To change this cynicism into compassion, we must return to Christ's teachings and embrace a lifestyle of radical love and forgiveness. Loving our enemies does not mean condoning their actions or allowing ourselves to be harmed. Instead, it means extending the same grace and mercy that we have received from God. It means seeking to understand and empathize with others, even when it is difficult. Such actions reflect the light of Christ onto others so the Spirit can work in and through our actions for the benefit of us all. Are you hearing the Spirit whispering for you to follow Jesus?

By choosing to love our enemies, we reflect Christ's character and bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Are you listening to the voice of Jesus that calls you to embody love and forgiveness, or are you giving an ear to the Devil’s lies that encourage division?"

If we decide to follow Christ, we are vessels of God's grace, bringing light and hope to a world that desperately needs both. Can we seek to embody this radical love in our daily lives, trusting that God will work through us to bring about His kingdom on earth? Can we be known as a people who reflect the boundless love and generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ? By the grace of Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can.

The next point is contingent upon our actions based on the teachings above (vv.27-31). In verses 32-38, Jesus emphasizes the principle of generosity. He challenges us to give without expecting anything in return and to treat others with the same grace and kindness that we desire for ourselves. Jesus teaches that the measure we use in giving will be the measure we receive.

This call to generosity transcends mere charity; it is a lifestyle of open-handedness and grace. We are to give freely, not only of our material possessions but also of our time, energy, and love. In doing so, we mirror the divine economy of grace, where God's blessings flow abundantly to all.

What does it mean to give without expecting repayment? How can we cultivate a heart of genuine generosity in our daily lives? To whom do we listen? Who do we emulate in our lives?

To cultivate a heart of true generosity in our daily lives, we must first understand the profound impact of emulating Jesus in all our actions. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to love, grace, and selflessness. By mirroring His actions, we foster a lifestyle of true generosity and altruism. In fact, we do the exact opposite of what the devil is whispering in our ears that we should do.

One striking example of this altruistic lifestyle in modern times is the story of Captain Tom Moore, a British Army officer and World War II veteran. During the COVID-19 pandemic, at the age of 99, Captain Tom set out to raise funds for the National Health Service (NHS) by walking 100 laps around his garden before his 100th birthday. His initial goal was to raise £1,000 (British pounds), but his story captured the hearts of people worldwide, and he ultimately raised over £32 million.

Captain Tom's actions exemplify the radical love and generosity that Jesus calls us to embody. He did not hesitate to use his abilities and platform to help those in need despite his age and personal challenges. This selfless act of kindness is a powerful reminder that true generosity requires us to go beyond our comfort zones and extend grace to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. If the devil is telling you to make yourself comfortable, do something radical!

By following Jesus' call and the example of individuals like Captain Tom Moore, we can change the hearts of others and even entire communities. Jesus’ call to generosity encourages us to give our time, resources, and love freely, trusting that God will meet our needs. It urges us to actively seek opportunities to help others, bless those who may not be able to repay us and show compassion in a world that often prioritizes self-interest.

Can we commit ourselves to this higher standard of discipleship? By following Jesus' example of unconditional love and generosity, we not only reflect His character but also become instruments of God's grace in our world. The Holy Spirit is with us and will help us strive to live out these teachings daily, making a difference in the lives of those around us and bringing glory to God's name.

As we reflect on these teachings of Jesus, let us commit to embodying radical love and generosity in our lives. Let us seek opportunities to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. Additionally, let us strive to give freely and generously, trusting in God's provision and grace. Let us move forward with hearts transformed by these teachings, ready to make a difference in our communities and the world. Let us dismiss the devil’s influence, those soft whispers in our ears. Embrace the words of Christ so we may be known as a people who reflect the boundless love and generosity of our Lord and Savior. Are you listening? Indeed, will you go forth boldly with hearts transformed by these teachings, ready to make a difference in your own lives, your communities, and the world? I pray that we all listen in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Bibliography

-  Captian Tom Moore. February 2/20, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Tom_Moore.

-  Interlinear Bible. Nov. 29, 2024. https://biblehub.com/interlinear.

-  Merriam-Webster. 2024. https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com.

-  NIV Study Bible. Grand rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

-  "NRSVue." NRSVue Holy Bible with Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2022.

-  Powery, Emerson B., et al., . The Westminster Study Bible. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024.