The Unique Mark of the Kingdom People, Part 5 – Luke 6:37-38

Kingdom people are marked by love from their King, Jesus Christ. Another mark of a God’s kingdom people is mercy as the Father in heaven is merciful. Jesus exemplified the essence of true love when dealing with the enemy (Jn. 8:4, 10-11) and mercy when he did not condemn sinners but offered the good news of forgiveness.

In today’s passage, Jesus commands his kingdom people to forgive (i.e., pardon) and give. In the Greek context, the word pardon often referred to when someone was discharged from service in the military, released from prison, etc. In other words, the word referred to a person being set free. And in general, the word pardon is used governmentally to bet set free from the consequences of their guilt, whereas the word forgive is related to something more personal. Despite the minor difference, they can and are used interchangeably often in Scripture.

The Lord gives six reasons why we must forgive as kingdom people.

• Jesus’ imperative to always be ready and find any reason to forgive on all occasions.
  • Forgiveness is an all-encompassing part of the Christian life. To be Christian is to forgive.
  • Matt. 18:21-22; in the Greco-Roman world at the time, forgiveness was associated to being weak. But Jesus commands his disciples to forgive unlimitedly as this becomes a part of our innate heart after conversion. The ability to forgive others, even in the direst of circumstances, is due to the divine heart given by God to us.
• Forgiveness is a salvation issue.
  • Those that personally taste the gospel of Jesus Christ continue to hunger and thirst after it. Consequently, the person that has tasted the gospel refuses to deny forgiveness to any no matter what kind of hurt and wrong they have done.
  • It is our realization that we are a vile wretch to whom God owes nothing but still graciously forgives, which propels us to forgive no matter the person and reason.
• If we are not forgiving, God has not forgiven us.
  • Matt. 6:14-15
  • Forgiveness is important and ongoing, but we must remember it also must be done immediately.
  • There are many different forms of an unforgiving heart: retaliation, indifference, alienation, etc.
• If we are not forgiving, we are unfit for worship.
  • For the unforgiving person, God does not receive their worship. Their body might be present, but their worship is empty before the eyes of the Lord.
  • Matt. 5:22-24
  • Proper understanding of worship helps the believer to prepare prior to gathering, especially questioning whether or not we have not forgiven a brother or a neighbor or have not requested others to forgive us.
• Forgiveness pertaining to trial or temptation will end in a different blessing or curse.
  • Forgiveness in trial as you are determined to forgive will bring blessing despite possible suffering. However, if we hold onto an unforgiving heart, we will be tempted to be in sin.
• A church that practices ongoing forgiveness, it is alive and active. God wants to be known as the One that forgives.
  • We, too, should desire to be known as s forgiven and forgiving person as this reflects true Christianity. In essence, forgiveness exemplifies the gospel.

Not only are kingdom people called to forgive, but also to give as God will give also accordingly. There is no such thing as a stingy Christian as Christ is our resource who has not limits. Jesus commands Christians to give because Christianity is a surplus religion. Jesus is the greatest Giver. He did not hold back anything. As we are to be like Christ, we are also to be givers. Jesus became poor for our sake and gives the riches of heaven, which belongs to him, to his kingdom people (2 Cor. 8:7). Having Jesus’ riches and unlimited resource we are to unceasingly give.

Money is not the only means to give. We have countless other ways to give through prayer, love, passion, diligence, time, and knowledge, to name a few. Christians are called to give freely and in secret. There is no heavenly blessing and reward when we seek earthly recognition. God rewards those that give within their ability, generously, per their personal conviction, and a cheerful heart.

We can also improve our giving if we consider that we are God’s stewards of what he has given to us. We must also understand God’s perspective on giving. If we know what pleases God, we know what to do (Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 9:7). Moreover, we must understand kingdom economy (v 38).

From our words to our actions, this is what God’s mercy is all about and what Jesus meant when giving these commands to the church. And even those outside, they will recognize the church of Christ that is merciful in forgiving and giving! Let’s strive to build Christ’s church this way!