21 Days of Selfess LivingSample

The theme of selfless living is not a minor plot point in the life of Jesus. It is front and center in how Jesus lived (and died). It also takes center stage in his teaching. In arguably his most well-known teaching, The Sermon on the Mount, the challenge to love and serve people radically is clear. Jesus calls his followers to do more than the minimum of treating people with dignity–he calls them to love their enemies.

Pete Scazzero (author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality) says, “For Christians, the key distinguishing mark of spiritual maturity is how we love our enemies (i.e., those who have hurt or betrayed us, drive us crazy, or irritate us).” According to that measure, how mature are you?

Read Jesus' words in Matthew 5:43-48.

Jesus reminds them (and us) that God gives generously and graciously to EVERYONE. This is part of how we reflect God to people–even the people who treat us unfairly.

Questions to consider:

• Who is someone that I have a hard time showing love to?
• What do you think about God’s willingness to bless all people, regardless of their response?
• How do you imagine his reaction to people who ignore or scoff at him?

An action step to take:

Pray for someone who has hurt you. Ask God to help you see them through his eyes.

Consider blessing someone who has treated you wrongly this week.

One way I chose to live selflessly today: