Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

6 February 2024

Reading From Exodus 22-24

“If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.”

–Exodus 23:4-5

This is one of the laws that Yahweh gave to Moses for the new nation of Israel to follow. God’s Law distinguished His people from not only the Egyptians, but also the people groups that they would encounter as they moved into the Land of Canaan. It is natural to hate an enemy and want the worst to happen to them. The ways of God are not natural, they are supernatural.[1] Having genuine love and compassion for those who hate me is counterintuitive and the furthest thing from easy, but it changes the dynamic of any toxic situation. Jesus said, “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”[2]

     When I think of how I treat God sometimes (I ignore Him, I do my own thing, I complain) it’s remarkable that He even wants to have anything to do with me, let alone bless me.  That’s what doesn’t make sense about grace.  It’s undeserved favor that comes from an authentic, understanding heart of love.  Mercy is God not giving me what I deserve.[3]  Grace is God giving me what I don’t deserve.[4]  Now think of all the people who hate God and spend time and resources fighting Him and dragging His people through the mud.[5]  God is even good to them and extends His arms to welcome them should they choose to reach out.[6]

Our God sets the example of loving our enemies. Part of this is probably because He knows what love can do.[7] Genuine love and compassion can melt the most bitter, hardened heart and bring light and peace into the most contentious of situations.[8] Not only are we supposed to “be nice” to them, we are actually told to go out of our way to help them. Good grief! Jesus help me. The ultimate expression of love was laying the sins of mankind on the shoulders of Jesus and having Him pay the price for the liberation of all those who would believe.[9] God calls me to love others even if they are hurtful, angry, annoying, malicious, etc. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can enable me to do this.[10] I need His love and His help.

“God, thank You for Your love. I’m so grateful for Your goodness and mercy. Thank You for not treating me as my sins deserve, but according to Your undeserved favor and love. I pray that You will show me ways of extending that love to others, even when they make it difficult. Give me wisdom to know how to treat people who are hateful or annoying. I pray that I would be persistent in showing love no matter how I’m treated. Help me to follow Your perfect example. Amen.”

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”  says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

–Romans 12:14-21

---

[1] Isaiah 55:9

[2] Luke 6:35

[3] Psalm 103:10-14

[4] Ephesians 2:8-9

[5] Matthew 5:45, John 3:16, Isaiah 26:10

[6] Hebrews 11:6

[7] I John 4:7-12

[8] Proverbs 15:1

[9] Romans 1:16, John 15:13

[10] Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 2:10, Isaiah 26:12