Day 4: God's Love For Our Enemies

Read It: Luke 6:27-36

27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. 31 Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. 32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Meditate On It:

1. According to Jesus, how are we to approach our enemies? List down each action that can be found in the passage, and write how each can apply to your own situation.

2. The “Golden Rule” is found in Luke 6:31, "Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. 32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?" What would it look like for you to practice this principle in everyday life? How would you start treating others differently?

3. How does God show His love towards His own enemies—even to ungrateful or evil people?

Apply It:

Prior to giving our lives to Jesus, we were all enemies of God (see Romans 5:10). As sinners, we had fallen short of God’s holy standard and therefore deserved His wrath. Yet, God still provided what we needed even if we didn’t deserve it! The wonder of the Gospel is that God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for His enemies. If this is true in our own lives, then we would approach those who mistreat us in a radically different way. We should treat them with supernatural love.

1. In what situation was I mistreated, opposed, persecuted, or taken advantage of?(Acknowledge what happened before the Lord and pray for a merciful heart to release the hurt, forgive the sin, and let go of any bitterness.)

2. Who is the Lord directing me to forgive or to ask forgiveness from? (Mention each person by name and ask for an opportunity to make amends.)

3. Who is the Lord leading me to treat with kindness this week? What act of kindness can I do for him/her?

Set Simple, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, and Time-bound (SMART) commitments.

Example: “I will pray daily for ____ who has hurt me and share God’s love to them through a heartfelt note or message this week.”

Pray It:

• Pray for our relationships that we will love the unlovable and be Christ-like to those who mistreat us or think ill of us.
• Ask God for a humble heart to acknowledge the times that we’ve been the enemy to someone and to seek an opportunity to make amends and restore the relationship.
• Let us pray in faith for God to grant us victory in such areas as:
  • Conflict among our relationships in the family, at work/school, among friends, or fellow churchmates
  • Unforgiveness
  • Bitterness over past hurts
  • Desire for vengeance
  • Pride, defensiveness, rationalizing sin
  • Being abusive or hurtful towards others
  • Attacks of the enemy, demonic influence
• Ask the Lord for a relational breakthrough in seeking God’s forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration over that conflict or hurt; let the Holy Spirit provide a spiritual revival for you, with renewed strength and zeal to follow Him faithfully.