Loving Your Enemies

Loving Your Enemies

Luke 6:27-28 says "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."

Jesus calls us to love not just our friends, but even those who hurt us. This doesn’t mean we pretend their actions are okay, but it means we choose to show kindness and pray for them instead of seeking revenge.

Loving As God Loves

During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her family were arrested for hiding Jews from the Nazis. She and her sister, Betsie, were sent to a concentration camp, where Betsie eventually died due to the harsh conditions. After the war, Corrie spoke about God’s forgiveness, but one day, she was tested. A former prison guard from the concentration camp approached her after one of her talks.

He told her he had become a Christian and asked for her forgiveness. Corrie struggled inside—how could she forgive a man who had been part of such cruelty? But she remembered Jesus’ command to love and forgive even our enemies. She prayed, reached out her hand, and forgave him. She later said that in that moment, she felt the love of God flow through her.

Jesus, The Ultimate Example

Even while suffering on the cross, Jesus prayed for those who mocked, beat, and crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). He showed radical love by sacrificing Himself not just for His friends, but for all people—including those who rejected Him. Instead of seeking revenge, He chose mercy, offering salvation to sinners who had rebelled against God. His love turns enemies into children of God, showing us that true love is selfless, forgiving, and unconditional.

Things to Ponder

Why do you think loving our enemies is so difficult?

How does loving our enemies show that we are followers of Jesus?

Can you think of a time when someone hurt you? How do you think Jesus would want you to respond?

Application Challenge

This week, if someone is unkind to you—a sibling, a classmate, or a co-worker—choose to respond with kindness. Say something kind instead of something hurtful, or pray for that person instead of getting angry.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, help us to love like You love. When people hurt us, give us the strength to forgive and show kindness instead of anger. Teach us to reflect Your mercy in the way we treat others. Amen.