35-36 “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. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

37-38 “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. 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.”

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35 But love your enemies, do good to them,(A) and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children(B) of the Most High,(C) because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful,(D) just as your Father(E) is merciful.

Judging Others(F)

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.(G) Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.(H) 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.(I) For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”(J)

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