What Jesus Did! 'What to Do with Enemies?' — Luke 6:27

Monday, April 3, 2023

[Jesus began teaching on our interactions with others:] "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you."
— Luke 6:27 NLT

Key Thought

The goal of a Christian is to be like the Master. That means we are redemptive in all that we do. But, I think these are some of the most convicting words of Jesus. Still, the goal is clear with our enemies: We are to love them and to do good to them. The question for us is not what our goal or our example is. The question is whether or not we have the courage and the commitment to listen to Jesus and follow his teaching.

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess that doing good to and loving my enemies is not something I enjoy doing or find easy. Please use your Holy Spirit to transform me and empower me to be more like your Son as I deal with my enemies. Give me the wisdom to know how to stand for righteousness and truth, how to oppose evil and those who promote it, and how not to become corrupted by the power of hate. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 23:32-38
  • Acts 7:54-60
  • 1 Peter 1:21-25

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 6:27 NLT — [Jesus began teaching on our interactions with others:] "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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