What does Jesus mean by "love your enemies" in this passage?

Here Jesus is not talking about feelings we cannot control, but about how we choose to treat people who hurt us. To “love your enemies” means to will their good before God and to show it in action. He explains this with examples: do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who use you badly. Instead of seeking payback, His followers are to respond with kindness, help, and prayer, leaving justice in God’s hands.

Why does Jesus say to offer the other cheek when someone hits you?

The picture of offering the other cheek is a strong way of saying, “Do not take private revenge.” It does not mean you must enjoy being hurt or that all justice is wrong. It means that when someone insults or strikes you, you should rather accept another slight than answer with more violence or hatred. The point is to be patient under injury, to avoid angry payback, and to trust God to deal with wrongdoers, instead of rushing to defend your pride or honor.

What does "give to every man that asketh of thee" mean here?

These words call believers to a generous, open hand. In context, it is not about giving anything to anyone in any situation without wisdom. It points mainly to people who truly need help. When someone is in real need and we are able to help, we should be ready to give or lend, not hard-hearted or stingy. Jesus also ties this to being willing to bear loss rather than fight and grasp for every right, showing that our hearts trust God more than our possessions.

How should we understand "of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again"?

This line has been read in more than one way. In light of the examples around it, it most simply means being willing to suffer loss without harsh demands or vengeance. If someone has your goods by agreement but cannot repay, you are not to “take them by the throat,” but to show patience and release. It does not forbid all lawful recovery of what is yours, but warns against a harsh, unforgiving spirit that values things more than people and refuses mercy.

What is the meaning of "as ye would that men should do to you" in this teaching?

This is often called the “golden rule.” Jesus is saying: treat others the way you would reasonably want to be treated if you were in their place. That covers both justice and kindness. If you would want patience when you fail, show patience. If you would want help in need, give help. If you would want forgiveness when you wrong someone, be ready to forgive. It pushes us to step into the other person’s situation and act with the same care we desire for ourselves.

Why does Jesus say loving only those who love you is not special?

Jesus points out that even people who ignore God still love those who love them, do good to those who do good to them, and lend to get the same back. That kind of love does not show a changed heart; it is just natural self-interest. His followers are called higher: to love enemies, do good without expecting return, and lend hoping for nothing again. This shows a different kind of love, shaped by God’s mercy, not by what we can get back from others.

What does "lend, hoping for nothing again" teach about giving and loans?

Here Jesus is not only talking about interest, but about our motive. He describes how people usually lend to those who can repay, expecting to get back the same or more. He calls His followers to be ready to lend even when there seems little chance of return, especially to the needy. The idea is to help because of their need, not because of our gain. When we give or lend with no demand for payback, we show we trust God to reward us and that we care more for people than profit.

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

Jesus says that God, the “Highest,” is kind to the unthankful and to the evil. He shows this by giving good gifts, like sun and rain, to people who do not thank Him and even rebel against Him. He is merciful and patient, not quick to crush those who wrong Him. When Jesus says, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful,” He is telling us that God’s mercy is wide and generous, and His children should reflect that same kindness in how they treat others.

Why does Jesus say "ye shall be the children of the Highest" if we love enemies?

He is not saying we earn a place in God’s family by our works. Rather, when we love enemies, do good, and give freely, we show the family likeness. God is known for being kind to unthankful and evil people. When His followers act in the same way, it becomes clear that they belong to Him and share His nature. Their enemy-love and mercy are like a mark or sign that they are His children, because they are copying the heart and ways of their Father.

How can a believer start to apply this teaching about enemies and mercy?

A good starting point is to think of specific people who have hurt or annoyed you and begin to do what Jesus names here. Pray for them honestly before God. Refuse to speak evil of them; instead, speak as kindly as truth allows. Look for simple ways to do good when they are in need, even if they would never do the same for you. Be less quick to insist on your rights or repayment. As you do these things, you are practicing the mercy that flows from your Father’s mercy to you.

Luke.6.27

Luke 6:27

KJV Jesus

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Love Your Enemies

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.