He is kind to the unthankful and to the evil
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil (Luke 6:35 KJV)
Jesus taught His disciples to be like the Father who is “kind unto the unthankful and to the evil”. In other words, these two groups of people did not deserve God’s kindness, but in grace, He extends it to them. Let us now turn to see who these individuals are. The second set is the evil, and there is nothing out of the ordinary here. Sinners, the wicked or evil people deserve God’s wrath, not kindness.
However, the first group is strange and surprising. He calls them the “unthankful.” These are people who are not grateful to the Creator for His goodness and kindness to us. Romans 1:21 says, “Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful.” Ungratefulness is such a serious spiritual sin that God puts it alongside the evil.
Note that Luke 6:35 and Romans 1:21 above are addressed to humanity in general. Scripture abounds that specifically command us who have believed in Christ, that is, God’s children, to be thankful. Learn to appreciate the big and little things God has done for you, and be grateful.
MEDITATE
What is divine quality expressed in showing kindness to sinful and evil people? How does that kindness extend to bring us salvation?
APPLY THE WORD
A thankful heart is an essential spiritual response you should do everything to cultivate. Do not wait to become the next United States president or have a billion dollars in your bank account to be grateful. There is so much around you and in you to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart, and the Father is focused on that attitude, not the formality of saying, “thank you.” Be thankful.
PRAY
What would you tell the Lord as this year draws close to an end?
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