Good morning people who learn to love like Jesus loves.

Luke 6:27-28 NIV “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Jesus knew this truth was not going to be popular or easy to accept. Therefore, He starts this particular part of His teaching with the words, “To you who are listening I say.” Obviously, everyone was hearing His words, but not everyone was listening to what He was saying; not everyone had ears to hear what the Spirit was saying.

God’s response to enemies is literally the opposite of the world’s response to enemies.

Jesus said love your enemies. It is one thing to say, “I love everyone”, but it is another thing to truly love people who are actively and intentionally against you.

Jesus followed this with the instruction do good to those who hate you. Jesus is saying that words are not enough. Love requires action in order to be seen by others. Love is required in order to be seen by those who oppose us.

Then Jesus told people to bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you.

I think of Stephen being stoned to death at the instruction of Saul. Instead of praying for himself or praying that his persecutors would stop, here is what he prayed:

Acts 7:59-60 NIV While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep (died).

This is the ultimate blessing and prayer for those who mistreat you. And the result was a terrorist was saved only a short time later through the revelation of Jesus.

And Jesus Himself is our greatest example. While hanging on a cross in unimaginable agony at the sinful abuse of those He had created, here is His response:

Luke 23:34 NIV Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

May we love our enemies like Jesus loved His enemies.