Expanding Ministry

He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
Looking at his disciples, he said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. Luke 6:17-26


Even as the politicians and religionists seriously plotted to get rid of Jesus, the crowds were growing wherever He went. They heard Him speak and saw His power as he healed their infirmities. As they clamored to touch Him, He introduced the policies of His Kingdom:

Turning His attention to the believers in the crowd, His disciples, He began to outline the characteristics of the Kingdom of God. In that Kingdom, those believers who are deprived now will be secure, well fed and happy. Those who meet God's approval will have inner happiness and peace. Your life has been a struggle, but you're spiritually different now, and will learn a relaxed mental attitude toward people and circumstances. If you are being persecuted because of your relationship with Jesus Christ, consider that a good thing. Your reward will be great in heaven, and you are right up there with the prophets who suffered persecution for bringing the message of God. ~BUT~ If you are fat, sassy and self-sufficient, enjoying a good reputation in the world, be forewarned. The false prophets also were popular in the world. It will not bring lasting fulfillment. Your time to weep is coming, and the world has nothing to offer you but more disappointment.

Retaliation is no longer the rule. You may have noticed it never accomplishes much, anyway. Christ's Kingdom operates according to Christ's principles. The citizens of that Kingdom will learn to see things from the divine viewpoint, and live their lives by divine norms and standards. It is a much happier way of life than the competitiveness of the world. God's approval is much more satisfying to realize than the fleeting admiration of unbelievers. People will flatter you for gain. God loves you unconditionally, because of Who HE is. Oneness with Him = perfect happiness.

We can exercise that same love (agapao) toward others, not because of who they are, but because of who we are: forgiven sons of God and representatives of our Lord Jesus Christ. The general demeanor of Kingdom citizens is live and let live. Share your generous attitude with those who need a dose of it. Don't be corrupted by their misery or their evil. What kind of attitude and behavior do you wish to see in others? That's the attitude and behavior you should model to them. This is formula, believers. I can tell you it works. Eventually, if not instantaneously. There is great satisfaction in seeing your own optimism and grace become contagious to others. There is nothing to be gained by anger and bitterness. Ever. Remember (v.35) "God Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men."
As we judge, we shall be judged. As we give, we shall receive. We set the standard for our own lives, and it is reflected back to us in the responses of those around us. God's standard is always the best choice for a productive and fulfilling life.

These are not rules for religion. These are not works for salvation, they are the practices of those who ARE saved and in fellowship with God. This is not to be taken as a superstition or a points system. It is the way of life in the Kingdom of Christ. It is love in practice. It is grace thinking toward all mankind. It is our demonstration of the Person of Christ in the world. It is the behavior of those who truly know and love the Lord.