One of the most profound and difficult teachings of Jesus’ entire ministry is that of “Love your enemies.” He makes it clear that it is easy to love our friends and that even evil men do as much. Jesus exhorts the people in the Sermon on the Mount “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44) In Luke, we find a slightly more robust version in the Sermon on the Plain: “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you…” (Luke 6:27-28) IN THIS CARD, Jesus is enduring the persecution of the religious authorities of His day, who ultimately were responsible for His murder. Jesus exemplifies the “Love your enemies” teaching when from the very cross of his passion and sacrifice He raises His voice to heaven pleading with the Father for the very men who are crucifying Him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Matthew 5:43–44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Luke 6:27–28
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will …”
Illustration by: Colton Rompala