But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
–Luke 6:35
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
This Turkish proverb was used hundreds of years before Newton ever philosophized over falling fruit. But really, this truth has been around since families began. Children resemble their parents, literally following in their parents’ footsteps. The way they stand. The way they walk. Their accent, their slang. Their pessimism or optimism. Their loves. Their hates.
We are someone’s child too. We have footsteps we follow. No matter what failures our earthly parent had, we all have one reputable One. We have a heavenly Father. If we sit in admiration of Him and spend time listening to His words, then we will begin to think and talk like Him too.
Those uncontrolled outbursts, those judgmental words, those fears, those self-degrading thoughts will fade. Our view of others, our perspective on issues, our reaction to problems, our great longings, will gradually change. Better yet, the loves of God and His hates, His interests, His desires, will become ours. His kindness toward the unthankful and the evil will rub off on us.
When we fall, as apples undoubtedly do, God will extend grace to us, just as we have given grace to others.
Prayer
Loving Lord, Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You; to willingly follow wherever You lead. Please forgive my sinful shortcomings. Keep me from falling, and keep me close to You. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection
In what area of my life do I struggle to love like Jesus?