What is the meaning of Luke 6:31?

Do

• Jesus issues a clear, active command—no room for passivity. Matthew 7:12 echoes it: “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you.”

• Obedience is immediate and practical; good intentions alone are not enough (James 1:22–25).

• Actionable love reflects God’s nature. Proverbs 3:27 urges, “Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.”

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to others

• “Others” is intentionally broad—family, friends, strangers, even enemies (Luke 6:27).

• We do not decide who is “worthy”; God already settled that in Leviticus 19:18: “love your neighbor as yourself.”

• Philippians 2:4 reminds us to “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others,” showing the scope extends beyond our circle.

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as you would

• Jesus makes each person the standard for the kindness he shows. We know instinctively how we want to be treated (Ephesians 5:29).

• This phrase invites self-examination: How do I wish someone would respond when I’m hurting, ignored, or wronged?

• By using our own desires as the gauge, excuses melt away. Romans 2:1 warns against judging others while overlooking identical needs in ourselves.

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have them do

• The Lord speaks of future reciprocity without demanding it; we do good whether or not it is returned (Romans 12:17–21).

• 1 Peter 3:9 calls us to bless rather than retaliate, trusting God with outcomes.

• Living this way often softens hearts, opening doors for the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19–23).

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to you

• God sees how we long to be respected, forgiven, and helped. He instructs us to initiate those very actions toward others (Galatians 6:7–10).

• Mercy shown becomes mercy received—both now and at Christ’s judgment seat (Matthew 5:7; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

• The command rests on Christ’s perfect example: He loved us first, so we extend the same grace (1 John 4:19).

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summary

Luke 6:31 calls believers to deliberate, tangible love that mirrors the care we naturally crave. We act first, include everyone, measure kindness by our own hopes, release any demand for repayment, and remember God rewards faith-filled obedience. Living this verse transforms relationships, shines Christ’s character, and fulfills the heart of God’s law.