Why is it important to "do good" to those who mistreat us? Key Verse “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Why Doing Good to Those Who Mistreat Us Matters • It mirrors God’s own heart – Romans 5:8 shows God loved us “while we were still sinners.” Acting likewise puts His love on display. – Matthew 5:45 reminds us the Father “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good,” proving benevolence is His default stance. • It breaks the cycle of retaliation – Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Returning good for evil stops the spiral and ushers in peace. • It confirms our identity as children of God – Luke 6:35: “Then you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Our actions testify to whose family we belong. • It heaps redemptive pressure on the wrongdoer – Proverbs 25:21-22 (quoted in Romans 12:20) teaches that feeding an enemy “heaps burning coals on his head.” Kindness can awaken conscience and lead to repentance. • It guards our own hearts – Ephesians 4:31-32 calls us to put away bitterness and instead “be kind and compassionate.” Doing good frees us from the corrosive effects of resentment. • It prepares eternal reward – Matthew 5:11-12 links mistreatment for Christ’s sake with “great” treasure in heaven. Investing in goodness now accrues dividends forever. Practical Ways to “Do Good” 1. Speak blessing rather than criticism (1 Peter 3:9). 2. Meet tangible needs—meals, errands, childcare—without fanfare (Romans 12:20). 3. Pray sincerely for their welfare, asking God to pour grace on them (Luke 6:28). 4. Refuse to gossip or rehearse the offense; choose silence or positive speech (Proverbs 17:9). 5. Seek reconciliation when possible, initiating peace (Matthew 5:23-24). The Big Picture Living Luke 6:27-28 is not weakness; it is powerful, counter-cultural obedience that showcases God’s mercy, disrupts evil’s momentum, and shapes us into Christ’s likeness while storing up everlasting reward. |
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