One of the most challenging teachings of Jesus is found in Luke 6:27-28, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” This command goes against every instinct of our carnal nature, which seeks retaliation rather than reconciliation. The natural human response to injury is bitterness and revenge, yet Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of love and grace. This teaching reveals the depth of Christ’s love, and calls us to embody that love in a world full of hostility and conflict.
Jesus’ command to love our enemies is radical because it contradicts the common wisdom of the world, which teaches us to love those who love us and to hate those who harm us. This kind of love is rooted in the nature of God Himself, who shows kindness to the unthankful and the evil: “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35).
To love our enemies means actively seeking their good, praying for their well-being, and refusing to harbour bitterness or seek revenge. This love is not based on feelings, but on a deliberate choice to reflect God’s character. The Old Testament also echoes this principle, urging kindness even to those who oppose us: “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink” (Proverbs 25:21).
This kind of love demonstrates that we belong to God, whose nature is love (1 John 4:8). It reveals the transforming power of the Gospel, which enables believers to rise above the instincts of the flesh.
Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of loving one’s enemies. On the cross, amidst excruciating agony and injustice, Jesus prayed for His executioners: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This prayer was not just a demonstration of divine love, but also a model for His followers to emulate.
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, followed Christ’s example when he prayed for his killers – “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60). The apostles, too, embodied this teaching in their ministry – “being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it” (1 Corinthians 4:12b).
These examples underscore the truth that loving our enemies is possible, which is also a powerful witness to the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ. They show that Christians live by a different set of values—those of the Kingdom of God, where love triumphs over hatred, and forgiveness over retaliation.
Divine power enables us to love our enemies. Loving our enemies is humanly impossible without divine help. The carnal mind is predisposed to anger and revenge, making it incapable of fulfilling Christ’s command. However, God has not left us without help. The Holy Spirit, who dwells in every believer, empowers us to love beyond our natural capacity. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3a).
The fruit of the Spirit includes love, patience, and kindness—qualities essential for responding rightly to those who hurt us (cf. Galatians 5:22-23). As we yield to the Spirit, He enables us to subdue our carnal tendencies and to manifest Christ’s love even in the face of hostility. Prayer is a vital part of this process. By praying for those who persecute us, we submit our hearts to God’s purposes, and open ourselves to His grace to forgive and bless. The act of praying for our enemies transforms our perspective, helping us see them not as adversaries to be defeated but as souls in need of God’s mercy.
Loving our enemies manifests a distinct testimony. When Christians love one another, and respond to hatred with love, they create a powerful testimony that the world cannot ignore. Jesus declared, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). The love that embraces even enemies is a distinctive mark of true discipleship. It confounds the world’s expectations and points to the supernatural work of God in the believer’s life.
The early church’s response to persecution was a profound example of this. Despite severe opposition, the first Christians continued to preach the Gospel, pray for their persecutors, and show love towards them. This radical love contributed significantly to the rapid spread of Christianity across the world.
Moreover, loving our enemies glorifies God by reflecting His nature. As Jesus has taught, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good” (Matthew 5:45a). By loving our enemies, we show the world what God is like—a God who loves impartially, and gives generously even to those who rebel against Him.
Love makes us overcomers of evil. The Lord disallows and utterly excludes all kinds of revenge and retaliation against those who malign and persecute us. The Lord’s desire concerning us is that we will be a benevolent people even in our sufferings.
The apostle Paul provides a practical application of Jesus’ teaching in Romans 12:20-21, “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” To “heap coals of fire” on another’s head refers to that person’s remorse and conviction of his sin. When we respond to hatred with kindness, we leave room for God to work in our enemies’ hearts. By choosing to bless rather than curse, we refuse to be overcome by evil, and instead become instruments of God’s redemptive love.
Loving our enemies is one unmistakable evidence of a transformed heart. It reflects God’s character, fulfils Christ’s command, and is a powerful witness to the world. Though it is contrary to our natural inclinations, God has provided the Holy Spirit to empower us to live out this radical love. As we seek to follow Jesus’ example, may we pray for those who persecute us, bless those who curse us, and trust God to work through our obedience for His glory and the salvation of souls. In doing so, we demonstrate that we indeed are children of our Father in heaven.