“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” – Luke 6:27 (NIV)
Let’s be honest—loving our enemies is one of the hardest commands Jesus ever gave. It goes against our human instincts and the culture we live in. But if we are truly followers of Christ, then we’re not called to live according to our feelings—we’re called to live by His Word.
In Luke 6:27, Jesus doesn’t say “tolerate” your enemies or “ignore” them. He says “love” them. Do good to them. Bless them. Pray for them. Even when they mistreat you. Even when they lie on you. Even when they try to hurt you. This isn’t just for the sake of peace—it’s because this is what He did for us.
Yet far too often, I encounter people who claim to follow God but have no evidence of His love in how they treat others. People who are quick to speak harshly, slow to forgive, easily offended, impatient, rude, and cold—even toward their own brothers and sisters in Christ. This is not the way of Jesus.
Let’s be clear:
There is no excuse for meanness.
There is no excuse for nastiness.
There is no excuse for a short temper, harsh words, or hateful actions—especially from those who profess to walk in the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). None of these look like gossip, cold shoulders, silent treatments, or sharp tongues. So when those things show up in our lives, it’s not a personality trait—it’s a spiritual problem.
How can we claim to love a God we cannot see, while mistreating the people we see every week? Our love for God is made visible by how we treat others—especially when it’s hard. Love is not just a feeling—it’s a decision to reflect Christ.
Why It Matters
Witness to the World
Loving our enemies shows a watching world that Jesus truly changes hearts.Obedience to Christ
It’s not optional. Jesus didn’t say, “If you feel like it,” but “You must love.”Healing for the Soul
Harboring resentment hardens us and hinders our fellowship with God (Ephesians 4:31–32).
How Do We Love Our Enemies
Pray for Them
Ask God to bless, protect, and soften their hearts.Speak Words of Life
Replace insults with kindness and encouragement—even if it feels unnatural.Extend Mercy
Forgive the ways they’ve wronged you, remembering how much you’ve been forgiven.Serve Them
Look for practical ways to meet their needs—send a note of encouragement, offer help, or simply listen.
Jesus loved those who nailed Him to a cross. Surely we can learn to listen to and love those who get on our nerves.
So today, let this be a heart check:
Do your words reflect God’s love?
Do your actions show His grace?
Do people feel Christ when they encounter you?
If not, it’s time to go back to the cross—and remember the love that was shown to you when you were still an enemy of God.