Outside the example of Jesus, this command makes no sense at all. But Jesus shows us the importance of leaving our destiny in the hands of our Creator and Father. Suddenly, this makes perfect sense. What is the best way to defeat an enemy? Certainly, it's not to beat or kill that person. No, the way we defeat our enemies is by having Jesus' grace capture their hearts, having their character conform to that of our King, and having them join us as we live for the Lord! That's the way we defeat our enemies; we bring them to Jesus, and they become our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Video Commentary...
We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Loving and gracious God, please soften my heart and toughen my resolve so I can love as Jesus loved. Make my life redemptive, especially to those who oppose, abhor, ridicule, belittle, and hate me. Use me, dear Father, to bring others to the grace of Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.
""To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?" asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an..."
"But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then indeed the kingdom of God is come upon you. Or how can anyone enter into the house of the strong...."
![Illustration of Luke 6:28 — [Jesus taught his disciples with these words:] "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/78.jpg "Illustration of Luke 6:28 — [Jesus taught his disciples with these words:] \"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.\"")
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