Luke 6:31 – And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Lord Jesus, this verse gives me pause. It leads me to ask the question: How do I want others to treat me? What do I want them to do to me? The honest truth is that I want them to treat me like you do. And you, o God, are patient, long-suffering and slow to anger. You are kind and compassionate. You do not pay me back for what I’ve done against you. Instead you forgive and even forget what I’ve done. You are faithful and true to every promise you have made. You are generous and giving only of good things. You give to me generously, but expect and ask nothing in return. You confront me about my sin, but you do not condemn me for it. You gently lead me to repentance and forgiveness. You rebuke and correct me only in love and kindness. You are at work in my life in ways that I don’t even see. These are, O God, some of the things that you do for me. Help me deal with other people in this generous, kind, and loving way. Give me these characteristics in full measure by your Spirit. Shape me into your likeness. Give me strength, courage and wisdom to do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and to do it always, only in love. By your faithful love for me, compel, strengthen and teach me to love like this. Amen.