“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” (Lk. 6:26–28).
These are the words of Jesus of Nazareth, and they have rightfully undergirded Christian ethics ever since he first spoke them. And so this morning, I want to encourage you in two specific ways regarding our Lord’s command to love your enemies.
The first is this – you should live in such a way that you have enemies. Too many Christians think that Christ’s words mean that we should not have enemies. That something has gone terribly wrong when we receive opposition. But this is simply not the case. All the way back to the Garden, enemies have risen against the Lord and his Anointed. And if we are united to Christ, if all that is His is ours, then His enemies by necessity must be our enemies. As Jesus said, “A servant is not greater than His master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (Jn. 15:20).
The second item of note is this – after rightly acknowledging your enemies, you are to love them in all sincerity. True love is not simply a vague feeling tucked away in the recesses of your heart. Rather, it is an inward disposition outwardly displayed. Love is concrete. Love can be touched. And here Jesus gives three tangible ways for you to love your enemies. You are to do good to them, bless them, and pray for them.
As Pastor Toby works through the Book of Acts, we have a great example of what this love looks like in the life and ministry of the early church. Consider the first martyr, Stephen, who prayed for his enemies as they stoned him to death. Or the Apostle Paul, who takes beating after beating, never returning evil for evil but relentlessly continuing to preach the gospel.
Of course, their ultimate example, and ours in this, is our Lord Jesus. What enemies did He love? He loved you and me. And how did He demonstrate that love? He laid down His life – He did good to us – in order to make us His friends.
Shawn Paterson – June 30, 2024
