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Luke 6:27, 28 - Loving Your Enemies. (updated)

Luke 6:27, 28 (NIV) But I tell you who hear 
me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate 
you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those 
who mistreat you. 

Luke 6:27, 28 (NLT) But to you who are 
willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good 
to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse 
you. Pray for those who hurt you.  

Luke 6:27, 28 (EAV) But I say to you who are 
listening now to Me: [in order to heed, make it a 
practice to] love you r enemies, treat well (do good 
to, act nobly toward) those who detest you and 
pursue you with hatred, 28 Invoke blessings upon 
and pray for the happiness of those who curse 
you, implore Gods blessing (favor) upon those 
who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, 
and high-handedly misuse you]. 

Luke 6:27, 28 (CWR) Let me tell you how to 
experience real happiness.  Love your enemies, do 
something good for those who dont like you, 28 say 
something good about those who curse you, and pray for 
those who mistreat you and exploit you to further 
their own interests. 

INTRODUCTION

         LOVE YOUR ENEMIES,
    DO GOOD to them which hate you,
    BLESS them that curse you, and 
    PRAY for them which despitefully use you.
         Luke 6:27, 28 (KJV)

Yes, God's people have their enemies, even 
as Jesus did; and we must be Christlike in the 
way we treat them. We must be giving and 
forgiving; and we must pray for them, not that God 
would destroy them but that He would change them. 
The best way to conquer an enemy is to make him 
a friend. [Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary 
by Warren Wiersbe] 

Agapan (love) describes an active feeling of 
benevolence towards the other person; it means that no 
matter what that person does to us we will never 
allow ourselves to desire anything but his highest 
good; and we will deliberately and of set purpose 
go out of our way to be good and kind to him; 
even if he insults, ill-treats and injures us, we 
will seek nothing but his highest good. [Barclay 
Commentary] 

The Christian ethic is positive. It does not 
consist in not doing things but in doing them. Jesus 
gave us the Golden Rule which bids us do to 
others as we would have them do to us.  That rule 
exists in many writers of many creeds in its 
negative form. Hillel, one of the great Jewish 
Rabbis, was asked by a man to teach him the whole 
law while he stood on one leg. He answered, 
"What is hateful to thee, do not to another. That 
is the whole law and all else is explanation." 
Philo, the great Jew of Alexandria, said, "What you 
hate to suffer, do not do to anyone else." 
Isocrates, the Greek orator, said. "What things make 
you angry when you suffer them at the hands of 
others, do not you do to other people." The Stoics 
had as one of their basic rules, "What you do 
not wish to be done to yourself, do not you do 
to any other." When Confucius was asked, "Is 
there one word which may serve as a rule of 
practice for all one's life?" he answered, "Is not 
Reciprocity such a word?  What you do not want done to 
yourself, do not do to others." Every one of these 
forms is negative. It is not unduly difficult to 
keep yourself from such action; but it is a very 
different thing to go out of your way to do to others 
what you would want them to do to you. The very 
essence of Christian conduct is that it consists, 
not in refraining from bad things, but in 
actively doing good things. [Barclay Commentary] 

   Sociologists call the pattern Jesus 
criticized the norm of reciprocity. In any 
culture, people will tend to keep the social books 
balanced. If you invite the Joneses over for dinner, 
theyll feel they owe you an invitation. If you loan 
Mrs. Smith chocolate chips, shes likely to 
bring you a few of the cookies she makes. 
   Jesus didnt criticize this norm. He 
simply observed that even sinners live by it, so it 
is nothing special when we show love to those 
who love us. And He called us to live by the 
standard set, not by others in our society, but by 
God. Since God does good and loving things even 
for those who hate Him, we who are Gods 
children and citizens in His kingdom are to do 
likewise. 
   We are not to live by the norm of 
reciprocity, but the norm of redemption. [The 365-Day 
Devotional Commentary] 

   An eye for an eye. The law did establish 
this standard as a principle for limiting 
retribution to that which was just (Ex 21:24; Lv 24:20; 
Dt 19:21). Its design was to insure that the 
punishment in civil cases fit the crime. It was never 
meant to sanction acts of personal retaliation. So 
again (see notes on vv. 17, 18) Jesus made no 
alteration to the true meaning of the law. He was 
merely explaining and affirming the laws true 
meaning.  
   Do not resist an evil person. Like v. 38, 
this deals only with matters of personal 
retaliation, not criminal offenses or acts of military 
aggression. Jesus applied this principle of 
non-retaliation to affronts against ones dignity (v. 39), 
lawsuits to gain ones personal assets (v. 40), 
infringements on ones liberty (v. 41), and violations 
of property rights (v. 42). He was calling for 
a full surrender of all personal rights, 
[MacArthur SB re Matthew 5:38, 39] 

   Eye for an eye. This law of 
retaliation (Latin lex talionis) was Gods means of 
maintaining justice and purging evil from among his 
people (see Deut. 19:20"21). It was intended to 
prevent inappropriate punishment (the punishment 
should fit the crime) and was imposed by civil 
authorities rather than individuals.  
   Do not resist the one who is evil. Jesus 
is not prohibiting the use of force by 
governments, police, or soldiers when combating evil (see 
notes on Luke 3:12"14; Rom. 13:1"4; 1 Pet. 
2:13"14). Rather, Jesus focus here is on individual 
conduct, as indicated by the contrast with Matt. 
5:38, which shows that he is prohibiting the 
universal human tendency to seek personal revenge (see 
note on Rom. 12:19).  
   If anyone slaps you on the right cheek 
turn to him the other also. One should not return 
an insulting slap, which would lead to 
escalating violence. In the case of a more serious 
assault, Jesus words should not be taken to 
prohibit self-defense (see Luke 12:11; 22:36"38; 
Acts 22:1; 24:10) or fleeing from evil (see 1 
Sam. 19:10; Luke 4:29"30; John 8:59; 10:39; 2 
Cor. 11:32"33), for often a failure to resist a 
violent attack leads to even more serious abuse. 
Acting in love toward an attacker (Matt. 5:44; 
22:39) will often include taking steps to prevent 
him from attempting further attacks. Jesus 
teaching must be applied with wisdom in the light of 
related Scriptures that address similar situations 
(cf. note on 5:42). [ESV SB 2008 re Matthew 5:38, 
39]  

Jesus told the people to love these enemies. 
Such words turned many away from Christ. But 
Jesus wasn't talking about having affection for 
enemies; he was talking about an act of the will. You 
can't "fall into" this kind of love - it takes 
conscious effort. Loving our enemies means acting in 
their best interests. We can pray for them, and we 
can think of ways to help them. Jesus loved the 
whole world, even though the world was in 
rebellion against God. Jesus asks us to follow his 
example by loving our enemies. Grant your enemies 
the same respect and rights as you desire for 
yourself. [Life application SB] 

There are different kinds and degrees of 
love. Some spring from emotions, others are based 
entirely on choices and commitments. Some are 
constantly shifting, some are constantly growing and 
some never change. God's love - the kind he has 
for us and that he wants us to have for others - 
is a choice and a commitment. It may include 
feelings, but it is not dependent on them. It is a 
decision to do what is best for someone else. That's 
why Jesus can tell us to love our enemies, do 
good to those who hate us, bless those who curse 
us and pray for those who mistreat us. His kind 
of love goes deep enough to overcome offenses. 
[NIV Once A Day Bible] 

It is possible to have compassion without 
love, and it is possible to have kindness without 
love; but it is impossible for one who has put on 
love to be unkind and without compassion, for 
love itself is not just an accessory garment. 
Love is the complete garment that has all the 
others built into it, so that love is a total way 
of life. Ray Anderson [The 365-Day 
Devotional Commentary] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

Shaping Up in Gods Gym
   When I was a brand-new believer, other 
Christians warned me, Greg, youre going to go 
through trials. 
   What do you mean by trials?
   Youll know, they said.
   And when the first trial hit, I knew.
   Why does God allow trials, tribulation, 
and hardships in the lives of Christians? James 
1:2-4 tells us, My brethren, count it all joy 
when you fall into various trials, knowing that 
the testing of your faith produces patience. But 
let patience have its perfect work, that you may 
be perfect and complete, lacking nothing 
(verses 2-4 NKJV). 
   Trials are like Gods gym. When were 
out of shape, for instance, we go to the gym. We 
have to pace ourselves, and in time well break 
down muscle and then build it up. And well be 
stronger as a result. 
   In the same way, God lets us go through 
trials to strengthen us. We break down spiritual 
muscle to build it up. 
   For example, Moses went into exile for 40 
long years. He was a hotheaded man who took 
matters into his own hands. Instead of waiting on 
the Lords timing, he killed an Egyptian. 
   But the Lord recommissioned him at the 
burning bush (see Exodus 3), and ultimately, Moses 
learned how to deal with people who opposed him. 
   Does that describe your life today? Are 
you dealing with people who are critical of you, 
who are making things hard for you? Have people 
treated you unfairly? 
   When this happens, our natural reaction 
is to hit back - and hit back even harder. 
   But that isnt what the Bible tells us 
to do. Jesus said, Love your enemies, do 
good to those who hate you, bless those who curse 
you, and pray for those who spitefully use you 
(Luke 6:27-28 NKJV). 
   When you do that, youre acting like 
true children of your Father in Heaven. [Greg 
Laurie from Harvest Ministries; 
https://www.harvestdaily.com] 

COMMENTARY

Do Good to Those Who Oppose You
   When youre persecuted, harassed, or 
facing opposition, you need to respond with a 
blessing. 
   Jesus says in Luke 6:27-29, Love your 
enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those 
who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If 
someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other 
cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer 
your shirt also (NLT). 
   Who does that? Not many people, actually. 
Its what sets Christians apart, because its 
not a natural or popular or easy response. 
   It takes a lot of courage to do those 
things! Anyone can retaliate or say something mean 
back. 
   God wants you to love your enemies, do 
good to those who hate you, bless those who curse 
you, pray for those who hurt you, and turn the 
other cheek. Is that easy? No. Its the most 
powerful form of witness, but you can only do it by 
being filled with Gods love. 
   The movie The Butler shows how the 
Freedom Riders, who fought racism in the South 
during the Civil Rights Movement, trained people 
how to not retaliate when they were hit, spit 
on, cursed, pushed, or when people threw food at 
them. Its an intensely powerful scene of taking 
a nonviolent stance. 
   As I watched that scene, tears started 
coming down my face. I thought, I want to be 
that kind of person for Jesus. I want to be that 
brave. I want to have a heart of courage that 
wont cave in to whats wrong, no matter what 
they throw at me. And I want to respond with 
love. 
   When you refuse to retaliate and instead 
respond in love at work or with somebody who 
doesnt like you, God will be pleased. And youre 
going to be blessed. 
   God blesses those who are persecuted 
for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is 
theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and 
persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of 
evil things against you because you are my 
followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great 
reward awaits you in heaven (Matthew 5:10-12 
NLT). 
   Jesus paid a price for you. He says 
theres a price to be paid for following him. 
Popularity on Earth is not part of the guarantee of 
being a Christian, but your reward in heaven is a 
guarantee. [Daily Devotional by Rick Warren: 
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/] 

Reconciling Love and War
   One area of confusion about war is the 
apparent discrepancy between Jesus words and 
Gods approval of battle in the Old Testament. Can 
such dissimilar teachings be reconciled? How can 
the God who told Israel to destroy the 
Canaanites be the same one who said, Love your 
enemies, do good to those who hate you (v. 27)? 
   To clarify this issue, we must 
distinguish between commands issued to nations and 
instructions given to individuals. The Lord has bestowed 
certain responsibilities upon governments. He calls 
them ministers of God for good and entrusts them 
with avenging evil (Rom. 13:4). But to 
individuals, He says, Never take your own revenge 
(12:19). 
   People are killed in war, but this 
isnt the same as murder. A soldier on the 
battlefield carries out his duties under the authority 
of his government (Rom. 13:1-2). Murder, on the 
other hand, is an individuals vengeful response 
to anger or jealousy and is motivated by a 
desire to destroy another person. 
   When governments avenge wrong, innocent 
people are protected, but when individuals seek 
their own revenge, they destroy themselves and 
others. In Luke, Jesus was speaking about personal 
conflicts, not national wars. He knows that loving our 
enemies is the only way to protect ourselves from 
bitterness. 
   Would we prefer to turn the 
responsibilities around - are we quick to fight personal 
battles, but slow to affirm the avenging of evil 
nationally? Sometimes the only way for a country to have 
peace is to go to war, but well never 
experience inner peace if we battle with individuals 
who wrong us. [In Touch Daily Devotional by 
Charles Stanley at www.intouch.org] 

ILLUSTRATION

   My husband and I had been separated for 
several months when I realized that Valentine's Day 
was just a couple of weeks away. Talk about 
awkward! When two people are separated, they are not 
really apart, but they are not really together, 
either. So what is the appropriate thing to do on 
Valentine's Day - send a card, don't send a card, send a 
gift, don't send a gift? It's a real 
head-scratcher.  
   I contemplated the dilemma for several 
days. I even asked a friend or two what they 
thought about it. But an obviously right answer 
escaped me. Finally, I ran out of time to think 
about it anymore. I had to make a decision.  
   Always the optimist, I decided to keep it 
light. Do something nonthreatening. Don't be 
maudlin or sentimental. Don't make him feel bad. 
Don't get mushy or be critical.  
   I decided not to buy a gift - that seemed 
just a bit too much, considering the situation. 
So I went to my favorite Hallmark store to see 
whether I could find a card that could, in any way, 
be appropriate. I looked for about half an hour 
and finally stumbled on one that I thought was 
perfect.  
   On the outside of the card was a picture 
of an ape scratching his (her?) head. Under the 
picture was the question "Know what day this is?" 
And on the inside was the answer: "Me neither!" 
It made me laugh, and I hoped it would make him 
smile too.  
   A couple of days before Valentine's Day I 
addressed the card, signed it, and mailed it to my 
not-really-ex-yet husband. And for two days I chuckled about 
the card and his possible reaction.  
   Then, on Valentine's Day morning, I 
received a dozen long-stemmed red roses at my 
office...  
   Dear Father, please help me to show more 
sensitivity toward the people in my life. Give me wisdom 
in how I interact with others so that they feel 
your kindness and care. Amen. [The One Year 
Devotional of Joy and Laughter by Mary Hollingsworth] 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Be a Blessing Today
   We have two things to give everyone we 
come in contact with - the blessing or the curse. 
If God expects us to bless our enemies, how 
much more should we be ready and willing to bless 
our family, friends, and acquaintances? Each of 
us comes in contact with many people every day, 
and we have the opportunity to give people what 
their soul craves. We can bless them! We can do 
them good with our words, attitudes, time, facial 
expressions, and material possessions. 
   Think of it: You can bless people today! 
You can also curse people, but hopefully we all 
want to avoid doing that. We can curse a person 
with something as simple as ignoring them. When 
we do that, we make them feel belittled and 
devalued. 
   A few days ago, I walked into a room 
where several people had gathered, and right away 
a man approached me with a friendly greeting; 
however, I had no interest in talking with him, so I 
said a very quick hello and moved away. I did 
what was best for me, but as I look back, I am 
sure he felt my rejection and disinterest. I 
could have blessed him by spending a few minutes 
with him and showing interest in him, but I was 
too selfish to do it. 
   I have set a new goal for myself, and 
that is to be a blessing to everyone I meet. I 
believe it is the way God wants us to live, and I 
also believe it is the doorway to personal joy. 
   Father, forgive me for each time I have 
cursed someone when I could have blessed them. Help 
me change and be a blessing everywhere I go. 
[My Time with God by Joyce Meyer] 

   To bless others is the very calling of a 
Christian. As Peter writes, "Do not repay evil for evil 
or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay 
evil with blessing, because to this you were 
called so that you may inherit a blessing." That's 
part of the mystery and beauty of life in Jesus. 
When you give something of value in His name - a 
gift, an insight, a kind word, your time and help, 
a prayer, a listening ear - it works its way 
back to your benefit. But rarely at the same time 
or in the same way! Filtered through God's 
wisdom and providence, it returns to you as 
something incredibly encouraging and helpful at a 
moment when you least expect it. It may not even be 
in this life at all, but it will accrue to your 
benefit and delight in heaven. But be assured of 
this: God is an incomparable bookkeeper, and He 
never loses track of one kindness done in the name 
of His Son.  
   What a delight! Bless You, Father, for 
making this a principle of life: "Give, and it will 
be given to you  pressed down, shaken 
together  poured into your lap" (Luke 6:38). What 
a sweetness to think that gifts given here on 
earth have a triple impact - first on the 
receiver, then on the giver, and then on Jesus 
Himself! [A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada 
and Larry Libby re 1 Peter 3:9] 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides: 
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The 
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE 

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible 

Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.revelationnow.com/ 

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657