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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Luke 6:27
Devo: Today's Verse
""But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you...""
Natural Enemies
Illustration of Luke 6:27
Inspirational illustration of Luke 6:27 -- "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you..."
Hear the Echo?
Article by Larry Davies
What will people hear from you? We create echoes by our life, so what kind of echo will you hear from the people around you?
Building a Culture of Honor: Prayer
Article by Phil Ware
Prayer changes something much more important than our circumstances! Phil Ware continues his series on building a culture of honor focusing this week on prayer, especially prayer as a redemptive tool of offering forgiveness and blessing to those who are our enemies and who mistreat us.
See All 5 Related Resources about Luke 6:27

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, April 3, 2023

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Amos 5:14-15
"Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'You Will Receive Power' (Acts 1:6-8)
"So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?" He replied,..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Song of Songs 1:2
"Nothing gives the believer so much joy as fellowship with Christ. He has enjoyment as others have in the common mercies of life, he can be glad both....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Lewis Carroll:
"I have had prayers answered — most strangely so sometimes — but I think our heavenly Father's loving-kindness has been even more evident in what He...."

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.

More What Jesus Did!