WHY WE CAN LOVE OUR ENEMIES

Luke 6:27-31

Luk 6:27 “But I am telling you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luk 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luk 6:29 To the person who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other as well, and from the person who takes away your coat, do not hold back your tunic either.
Luk 6:30 Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your possessions back from the person who takes them away.
Luk 6:31 Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.

reverse Robin Hoods

Jesus had just painted a picture of the world with broad strokes, indicating that it was made up of the haves (the rich and comfortable) and the have nots (the poor and needy). He had included his disciples in the latter group, telling them to rejoice because their fortune would be reversed in the future.

Now, this text represents an interesting development. Instead of Jesus telling this group of faithful poor to rise up against their oppressive ruling class and exact justice against them, he tells them to love these enemies, to bless them and pray for them, and GIVE to them. This is the context in which Jesus states the golden rule.

Why would anyone want to be a reverse Robin Hood? It must be because they believe what Jesus promised. Some day the have-nots will become the haves, the miserable will be comforted. So, we can afford to be generous today, even toward those who do not deserve our generosity.

LORD, show us how to bless, pray and give like those who will inherit your kingdom.