Luke 6:27-36
It’s easy to only love those that we decide deserve it. The way of the world says that people should get what they deserve. This is contrary to the gospel message. Ultimately, we all want God to love and forgive us, and, in Christ, He does. None of us deserve this, because our sin made us His enemies, but Jesus extended His love and grace to us anyway. We are called to do the same—act toward others the way we want God, and others, to act toward us.
Read Luke 6:27-31:
- Why is it so hard for us to love our “enemies”?
- What are some ways that we can demonstrate love to our enemies and people who are hard to like?
- Why does Jesus want us to pray for those who hurt us (verse 28)?
- What do we risk when we embrace Jesus’ definition of love?
- Why is it important that Jesus said “just as you want others to do for you,” rather than “just as others have done to you” (verse 31)?
Read Luke 6:32-36:
- How does this description of love challenge you?
- What are some practical ways that you can be gracious and merciful to those “enemies” in your life this week?
- How does the gospel help you follow Jesus’ command to react with grace in the face of injustice?
Taking it home:
- Which of the positive qualities highlighted in this passage—love, grace, generosity, mercy—do you want to grow in most right now?
- This week, what will it look like for you to bless people who have done nothing to deserve your blessing?
Other Scriptures to Engage with this week:
Job 1:1-5; 1 Kings 13:1-10; Genesis 18:20-33; Jeremiah 42:1-6; 1 Kings 18:30-39; Job 42:1-9.