KJV - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
NLT - “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you."
LOVE ~ DO GOOD ~ BLESS ~ PRAY
The commands of this verse all sound simple enough to accomplish...if we like someone. It's easy to love a being who loves us reciprocally, yes? But that's not what this verse is telling us. This is Jesus speaking directly to us...
SIDENOTE: These verses in Luke are referred to as the Sermon on the Plain (or Level Place). They are similar to what Jesus spoke at the Sermon on the Mount. Still have questions? Click over to Bible.org and scroll down to "CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS" part B.
...And my flesh takes issue with these commands. It's not in my nature to love an enemy. Why would I want to do good for someone who maligns me, or bless one who curses me?
Jesus, You want me to PRAY for the person who despitefully used me?!?
Yes, He does. There are no loopholes in this. We are told to love our enemies, and then Jesus tells us how to do that: by doing good, blessing them, and praying for them. The flesh in me still questions why? And here's the answer:
It's not about them and what they've done.
It's about YOU.
When we give our hearts to Christ, the Holy Spirit enters our body, so we may complete the will of Father God. This is accomplished when we rid ourselves of us, and become consumed with Him. God is Love. He is Grace. He is Mercy. He is full of compassion, and wants nothing more than for every child He created to feel that love. We are the instruments to His desire.
In Christianese, this is termed 'Dying to Self.' Read more about it here. We throw down the worldly inclination to strike out against those who hurt us, and instead give it over to God.
Love ~by doing good for the one who hurt you.
Bless ~ by speaking to them and about them with kindness.
Pray ~ by lifting them up to God, that they may be filled with His Light and Love.
This is a tough verse.
Are you willing to offer up your enemies to Him?
Are you ready to Let Go and Let God?
He is waiting for you.
What does this verse speak to you?
