Love your Enemies. This command sounds almost impossible. Furthermore, these words of Jesus don’t have much appeal. In most situations, hate and disdain are the more natural responses we have for our enemies. Jesus points out, loving people who already love you is fairly easy. There’s a guaranteed return on our love investment when we love people whom we know will love us back. He goes so far as to say, “Even sinners love those who love them.” So just loving the people who love you as a Christian is not enough.
People who are going to follow the Lord have to step up their game. Three times Jesus mentioned even sinners do the easy work of loving others by expecting something in return. Jesus challenges us to show radical crazy love by loving the unlovable.
Today, do you want to be children of God? Then love your enemies, recognizing they are worth the same amazing grace you and I have received from God and pray for them too! That’s hard to do, but it’s what Jesus demands of you and He gives you the grace and strength to follow these commands.
To you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. — Luke 6:27
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, may my mind no longer nurse grudges and rehearse scenes of hurt and pain, but focus on your grace granted to me in Jesus. God, may I experience your love as I strive to love my enemies as well as my friends? Lord, help me to follow you daily, in Christ’ name. Amen.
