Extraordinary Love for Ordinary People

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Love Your Enemies: The Radical Command of Christ - Luke 6:27-38

Dear Friends, in Luke 6:27-38 the Lord Jesus gives some of the most challenging and counter-cultural teaching in the entire Bible. He does not call us to a comfortable, natural kind of love. Instead, He calls us to a supernatural, God-like love that goes far beyond what comes naturally to us.

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28 ESV)

Jesus then gives practical examples: turn the other cheek, give to everyone who asks, and do not demand back what has been taken. He sums it all up with what we call the Golden Rule: “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” (v. 31).

This kind of love is not based on how people treat us. It is based on who God is. Jesus reminds us that even sinners love those who love them. What sets God’s children apart is that we love even when it is difficult, painful, or costly. The standard is breathtaking: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (v. 36).

The passage ends with a wonderful promise: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (v. 38).


Pause & Pray: Read Luke 6:27-38 slowly, preferably out loud. Then pray honestly:

“Lord Jesus, this teaching is so hard for me. I confess that I naturally want to love only those who love me. Give me Your supernatural love for those who have hurt me, spoken against me, or treated me unfairly. Help me to do good, bless, and pray for them, even when I don’t feel like it. Make me merciful as You are merciful, and help me to trust that as I give, You will give back to me in good measure.”

Ask the Lord to bring to mind any specific person you need to love in this radical way.

Verse to Remember: “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27 ESV)

Question to Consider: Is there someone in your life right now (a difficult neighbour, family member, colleague, or fellow Christian) towards whom you have been cold, resentful, or unforgiving? What would it look like this week for you to take one practical step of love towards them, as Jesus commands?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church

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