DATE POSTED
Monday, May 4, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read Luke 6:31-35 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in The Passion Translation (TPT).

³¹ The way you want others to treat you is how you should treat everyone else.

³² “Are you really showing true love by loving only those who love you? Even those who don’t know God will do that. ³³ Are you really showing compassion when you do good deeds only to those who do good deeds to you? Even those who don’t know God will do that.

³⁵ Rather love your enemies and continue to treat them well. When you lend money, don’t despair if you are never paid back, for it is not lost. You will receive a rich reward, and you will be known as true children of the Most High God, having his same nature. Be like your Father who is famous for his kindness to heal even the thankless and cruel. ³⁶ Overflow with mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

It’s easy to notice when people treat us poorly or fail to appreciate what we do. But when we compare that to how Jesus has treated us, it changes our perspective.

In the Gospel of Luke 6:31–35, Jesus teaches us a powerful truth: treat others the way you want to be treated—even when they don’t deserve it.

If we want to understand how we truly love others, we should ask ourselves: Do we love only those who are kind to us, or do we also love those who hurt us, misunderstand us, or even reject us?

Jesus set the example for us:

• He spent time with sinners. He even ate with them.
• He called tax collectors—people known for cheating others—to follow Him.
• He touched and healed those society rejected.
• He chose a humble young woman to be part of His greatest plan – to mother His only Son.

Jesus didn’t love based on what people deserved—He loved based on who He is.

And then there’s the greatest example of all: God gave His Son for us, even when we were undeserving. That kind of love is hard for us to fully grasp, but it shows us how deeply we are loved.

Because of that love, Jesus calls us to do the same—to forgive, to give, and to love without expecting anything in return. On our own, that feels impossible. But with His help, we can love the way He loves us.

Imagine how powerful it would be if others recognized our faith—not just by what we say, but by how we love, forgive, and serve.

Take a moment today to talk with Jesus. Ask Him to shape your heart, your actions, and your character so that others can clearly see Him in you.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to love others the way You have loved me—freely, fully, and without condition. Give me the strength to forgive, to give, and to reflect Your heart in all I do.

Please bless each reader of this devotional and provoke them to a full understanding of Your Word and the desire to obey it fully. Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!