"Love Your Enemies"

Message: "Love Your Enemies"

Rev. Paul Barrett

In this morning’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus challenges us with some of the most profound teachings in Scripture. He calls us to love not just our friends, but our enemies; to offer forgiveness and generosity even to those who wrong us. Let us listen as Jesus describes what true love, the love of God, looks like. Listen to these words from Luke, chapter 6, verses 27 through 36. 

Reading:  

“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.  If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.  Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

The Word of God for the people of God.