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.
"Here lies the tremendous mystery - that God should be all-powerful, yet refuse to coerce. He summons us to cooperation. We are honored in being given the..."
"Jesus is passing through the throng to the house of Jairus, to raise the ruler's dead daughter; but he is so profuse in goodness that he works another..."
About This Devotional
Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
![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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