But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.Luke 6:27-31

If you think being a Christian is easy, think again! It’s easy to love your family or maybe even your neighbor, but to love your enemy is extremely difficult. Jesus even goes on to say “If someone strikes you on one side of the face, let them strike you on the other side”,  what!? This goes against our human nature, we don’t want anyone to get the best of us or to disrespect us! Now are we starting to see how difficult it is to be a Christian!

Jesus says “If anyone asks for something, give it to them, and don’t even expect it back in return” Often when we donate or lend something to someone, we expect something in return. We want recognition or repayment, we want everyone to pat us on the back for doing something good. We shouldn’t expect any of this, just give it away!

Jesus is setting the standard for Christian living, how many of us fall short of this lifestyle? Probably all of us , if were being honest, Lord have mercy on us! But this is the standard Christ has set for us, and we should strive to get to this standard that Jesus expects of us. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you”!

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 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.Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:32-36

You say well I love my family and I’ll give to those who are worthy, but Jesus says so what! Even the unsaved love their families and even the unsaved give to charity, so why do you think your better than them? Christ is demanding a higher standard for us! Jesus delivered you from sin and death, so go the extra mile, carry your cross, and follow Christ!

Jesus says “Expect Nothing in return” , wow we should just love and give with no strings attached, imagine the concept. Christ died for us , even when we still were sinners and wicked (Romans 5:8)  Be merciful because God is merciful

So do you think its easy being a Christian now? No, this is why we need Jesus every moment, every minute, every second of our lives. Without the Holy Spirit we can do nothing to please God, go the extra mile, love those who even hate your guys, give to those who dont even deserve it, put all your faith and trust in Jesus Christ , Amen!