Love Your Enemies, Do Good To Those Who Hate You, Bless Those Who curse You, And Pray For Those Who Mistreat You

LUKE 6:27-28
“”But I say to you who hear: 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
‬https://www.bible.com/114/luk.6.27-28.nkj

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Jesus said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37-40‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
These two verses are the very foundation of God’s way of life, all God’s Law and His Prophets stand on these two commandments.
When we obey to these two great commandments, all the others will fall into place.
The Pharisees didn’t quite understand that when Jesus said neighbor, He meant everyone including our enemies. He said to them, ““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:43-48‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
The Jews despised the Romans because they constantly oppressed God’s people, so Jesus words turned many away from Him.
Jesus wasn’t suggesting that we should have affection for our enemies, or that we believers should allow others to abuse us, but rather to follow the example of Jesus Christ. His is the example to follow in all things.
He continues to provide for believers and unbelievers alike, and continues to offer the opportunity of salvation to all regardless.
Despite our sin and evil ways, God loves every single one of us. In deed, out of His love, He gave up His life on a cross to save us because He wants no one to perish, but for all to turn to Him in repentance (2 PETER 3:9).
He hates sin, and we certainly can not continue in it, but nothing can separate us from His love (ROMANS 8:38-39).
Love is more than nice words, emotions, or a feeling; it is a choice and an action of selfless care for others. Therefore, Jesus was telling us to care for our neighbors including our enemies as one cared for himself, making their troubles as important as one’s own. If your neighbor is hungry an unable to feed himself, just as you feed yourself, feed him.
Make others needs as important as your own needs, and treat them as you expect to be treated.
Jesus went on to say, “To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
So many take this Scripture out of context; it’s not about a physical assault. Truly I tell you, if someone is trying to physically cause you harm, you have every right to defend yourself.
So often people abuse the generosity of Christians.
The same people come again and again with their sob stories just to line their own pockets, they are liars and cheats, and very happy to take your coat of your back and leave you with nothing.
Many of those abusers are Christians, and that in itself is a serious slap in the face to the giver. But Jesus said, “to him who strikes your cheek, offer him the other one, and to him who takes the coat of your back, offer him your tunic also.”
In other words, however many times they abuse your generosity, don’t give up on these people, for in time, heaps of burning coals shall fall upon their heads and many will turn in repentance (PROVERBS 25:22-22). The truth is, if just one turns in repentance, it is all made worth it, and even the angels of heaven shall celebrate when one man turns to God in repentance (LUKE 15:10).
Therefore, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:17-21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
Today, we believers are blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit to help and lead us in all things (JOHN 14:15-18).
Therefore be wise, give only according to leading of the Spirit, and not by the emotions of your flesh (see GALATIANS 5:16-26), for a fool and his money are quickly parted.
To love is a choice and a way of life-Jesus’ way.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
No other way will bring lasting peace, joy, and contentment in this dark world, neither is their any other way to our Father in heaven.
Yet, if only we could all learn to put into practice these two great commandments of love, this world would very quickly become a better place to live.
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.