Luke 6:27-28 – Love Your Enemies

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. (Luke 6:27-28)

These verses challenge us, don’t they? Jesus knew that not everyone would be up for the task. We know this by the way he leads into this command. I don’t know about you, but I want to listen to everything that Jesus says—even the hard stuff.

Context (Luke 6:27-36): Here, Jesus is addressing us about loving our enemies and what that looks like. It makes total sense that Jesus would make a special point to share this message because it isn’t something we would think to do otherwise. People don’t naturally go out of their way to love people who have hurt them or are mean and cruel. It’s in this section of the Bible that we find the “golden rule,” when Jesus says, “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (verse 31) It’s easy to love the lovable, but it takes dedication and loyalty to Jesus to love our enemies.

I heard this verse years ago, and ever since it plays over in my head when I encounter one of those “difficult” people. They aren’t necessarily my “enemy,” but they are certainly not someone I want to be around. Jesus wants me to love them, do good for them, and even bless them.

Why does Jesus want us to do something so contrary to what we know as normal? Aren’t we used to trying to avoid our enemies? Aren’t battles usually fought in retaliation for some other abuse or attack? I think it’s because Jesus wants us to be more like him and the Father. God’s love knows no boundaries—he loves the whole world.

There are plenty of idioms or little sayings that suggest what Jesus is telling us here. Like, “kill them with kindness,” or “you can’t change how people treat you, but you can control how you respond to it,” or “don’t treat people as bad as they are, treat them as good as you are.” These sayings can be helpful, too, for us to be successful following Jesus’ directions.

Who are your enemies? I know I don’t spend much time thinking about who might hate me, but we all have haters. What do you do to love on them? When is the last time you prayed for them and asked God to bless them? No shame intended, this concept is difficult to master. Not only is this a good verse to memorize, but the challenge is also something we shouldn’t ignore.

Spend some time thinking about your friends, acquaintances, and enemies. It’s easy to pray a blessing for those we care about. Say a prayer of blessing for those less lovely, those who have hurt you.

Let’s pray. Lord, help me be loving to all people, including my enemies. I’m not sure who those people are, but I do know my faithfulness and trust in Scripture make some people nervous or uneasy. My enemies could be those who don’t trust you with their life or understand your truth. I pray for them, asking that you enlighten them, open their eyes, and help them be ready to accept you and your blessings.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.