What does Luke 6:27 teach about responding to those who hate us? Text of Luke 6:27 “But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” Core principles drawn from the verse • Love is a deliberate choice, not an emotion. • The command is directed to anyone willing to “listen”—obedience is expected of every disciple. • Our response to hatred must be positive, proactive good. What “love your enemies” looks like • Treat the one who despises you as someone valuable to God. • Seek his or her welfare, not retaliation. • Measure “good” by what builds up, heals, and reflects Christ’s character. Practical responses to hatred 1. Speak kindly when spoken of or to with malice. 2. Offer tangible help—meals, assistance, a timely favor—whenever a real need appears. 3. Pray specifically for the person’s blessing and salvation (Luke 6:28). 4. Refuse gossip or negative talk about the individual. 5. Look for ways to serve anonymously so motives stay pure. 6. Keep showing up; love endures repeated hostility. Scriptures reinforcing the command • Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” • Romans 12:20-21 – “If your enemy is hungry, feed him… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” • 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing…” • Proverbs 25:21 – “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat…” The heart behind the command • Mirrors God’s own love: “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). • Distinguishes believers as true children of the Father (Matthew 5:45). • Turns moments of conflict into opportunities for Gospel witness. Living it this week • Identify one person who has shown animosity toward you. • Ask God to give you a concrete act of good you can perform for that individual. • Follow through promptly, expecting nothing in return. • Thank the Lord for using you to display His counter-cultural love. |
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