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Some of Jesus’ words require studied thought and prayer to understand. Some are more easily understood but require thought and prayer to implement. Luke 6:27–36 is of the latter kind. It calls us to something deeper than not taking revenge; it calls us to love our enemies.
The words used in Luke 6 are dramatic. An enemy is not just someone unpleasant but is an implacable foe. The enemy hates (v. 27); his hatred is malicious and malevolent. The enemy curses (v. 28); he calls down demonic spiritual forces on the object of his contempt. The enemy abuses (v. 28); his actions menace the innocent.
Jesus gives us four strong actions to take in response to such unbridled evil.
Love your enemies (v. 27). This is love like God’s self-sacrificing love. God selflessly gave His one and only Son. It is love like Christ’s love that compelled Him to lay down His life for the church. It is love seen in practical acts of kindness. That’s where the rest of the passage takes us.
Do good to those who hate you (v. 27). Love is shown through doing good to enemies. Paul puts it like this: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink” (Rom. 12:20). Love asks, What does my enemy need; how could I help my enemy?
Bless those who curse you (Luke 6:28). The word translated here as “bless” is the word from which we get the term eulogy. It means to speak a good word about or to your enemy.
Pray for those who abuse you (v. 28). Ask God to help the person who has made himself your enemy. Ask God to heal his hurts and forgive his sins. Think of Stephen, who, while he was being stoned, asked God to forgive his tormentors (Acts 7:60).
To keep it practical, the Lord Jesus Christ gives five illustrations of loving your enemies. (1) “To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29). A strike on the cheek is an insult; the command is to be willing to bear indignities from your enemy. (2) “From one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either” (v. 29). Give even beyond what is demanded. (3) “Give to everyone who begs from you” (v. 30). Our love and kindness must overwhelm the avarice of our enemies. (4) “As you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” (v. 31). Don’t give others what they deserve, but rather give what you would desire for yourself. (5) Exceed the goodness of “sinners,” who are kind to only those whom they trust.
We have received incredible mercy. We are enemies adopted by God. We bring no goodness to Him, but for reasons found in Him alone we are loved and embraced. Bask in undeserved mercy. See yourself as a sinner and Christ as taking the scourge, the crown of thorns, and the cross for you. As this truth melts your heart, it will give you love for your enemies.