Luke 6:30-40

30 If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
31 "Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!
32 If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that.
33 If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that.
34 If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
35 "I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never - I promise - regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst.
36 Our Father is kind; you be kind.
37 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults - unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier.
38 Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back - given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."
39 He quoted a proverb: "'Can a blind man guide a blind man?' Wouldn't they both end up in the ditch?
40 An apprentice doesn't lecture the master. The point is to be careful who you follow as your teacher.

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Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.