“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…” ~ Luke 6:27
REFERENCE:
In our text, Jesus’ profound teaching on love challenges us as believers to rise above our natural inclinations toward selfishness and retaliation and embrace a radical love that reflects the heart of Christ. This teaching was entirely different from the teaching of ‘an eye for an eye’ that his audience practiced. It was a strange gospel, foreign to the fleshly nature—a gospel of love.
Jesus invites us to a love that transcends cultural norms and practices: love your enemies, do good to your haters, bless when they curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. Treat others as you would want to be treated, even in the face of hostility. It is not emotional love but love by decision. Instead of paying back those who mistreat us with their own coin, God expects us to respond with love, seeking to overcome hostility with acts of kindness and grace.
Love is the very nature of God – I John 4:7, “…love is of God and anyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” It takes the knowledge of God and intimacy with Him to be able to love like this. The more we know and experience God’s love, the more we can extend that love to others. The gospel of love calls us to break free from the cycle of hatred, malice, and revenge and extend grace and forgiveness to those who may oppose or mistreat us.
Interestingly, Jesus taught that we fulfill the entire law and the teachings of the prophets by keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I know you may have been hurt and feel justified in getting even, but God says, “Let it go.” Certain things are not worth it, and you should learn to choose your fights – the devil is already an opponent, so don’t add people to the list. One way to overcome satan and his antics is to walk in love towards people.
The gospel of love tells us to overcome evil with good. Love is not a weakness; it is a weapon. It says to God that you trust Him to intervene in a situation and make it a win-win. Has someone hurt you? Are you dealing with intrigues and hostility in the workplace? Does someone get irked when good comes to you? Do not worry; you can overcome them with love. Do an act of love towards them in the next 30 days – a gift, a helping hand, or send them a kind message.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
I Corinthians 13:4-7, Romans 12:21, and John 13:34-35
PRAYER:
+ Lord, let Your nature of love overwhelm my whole being today. Teach me to love just like You.
+ Free me from the strong and urgent need I often feel for revenge; let me turn on God’s love.
+ I speak a blessing over anyone who has hurt me or is actively working against me. May it be well with them, in Jesus’ name.
