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.
"Dear Father, Help me to obey my leaders and submit to them, as those who keep watch for my soul. Fill my mouth and my heart with earnest prayer for....."
"After this we [Paul and his companions] packed our things and left for Jerusalem. Some believers from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to..."
"Then [John] saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the..."
![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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