“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
—Luke 6:27 (NIV)
Loving those who love us back feels natural, doesn’t it? But Jesus turns this idea on its head in Luke 6:27 by calling us to love our enemies. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a radical command that pushes us to reflect the very heart of God. Loving our enemies goes against every instinct we have—it feels counterintuitive and even unfair. Yet, it’s the kind of love that transforms hearts, breaks down barriers, and demonstrates the power of God’s grace.
Think about someone who has hurt you or treated you unfairly. The natural response might be to avoid them, hold a grudge, or even seek revenge. But Jesus challenges us to respond differently: with love, kindness, and prayer. This doesn’t mean excusing wrongdoing or pretending the hurt didn’t happen. Instead, it’s about choosing to let God’s love flow through you, even toward those who don’t deserve it. What might it look like to bless someone who has wronged you? A kind word, a prayer, or even a simple act of kindness can make a profound impact.
Loving your enemies is not about them—it’s about you and your relationship with God. When we choose love over bitterness, we free ourselves from the burden of anger and resentment. More importantly, we reflect God’s love, which was extended to us when we were undeserving. Remember, Jesus loved us even when we were far from Him, and He calls us to mirror that same love to others. Imagine how the world would change if more people chose forgiveness and compassion instead of retaliation and hate.
This kind of love requires humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit. It’s not something we can achieve in our own strength. Ask God to help you see your enemies as He sees them—people He created and loves. Trust Him to give you the grace to love, bless, and pray for them. As you do, you’ll experience the transformative power of His love in your own heart and see how it can ripple out to those around you.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for loving me even when I was undeserving. Teach me to love my enemies and to show kindness to those who hurt me. Fill me with your Spirit so that I can reflect your grace and forgiveness. Help me to trust you to heal my heart as I choose to love like you. Amen.
