Beautiful Word Devotional #26

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Luke 6:27–28

Here, Jesus instructed his disciples about how to live as he did on the earth. Specifically, Jesus didn’t ask them—and he doesn’t ask us who are his disciples today—to do anything he himself hadn’t already done.

Jesus did good to those who hated him: he willingly gave up his life on a cross so that every enemy of God—and that is the entire human race—could be forgiven for their sins and have eternal life.

Jesus blessed those who cursed him: from the cross, he asked God to forgive those in charge of the crucifixion because they didn’t know what they were doing.

Jesus prayed with compassion and understanding for those who mistreated and mistreat him today (see John 17).

Because he set this example—and because his Spirit lives within you—you can do the impossible. And when you do, you’ll be set free from bitterness.

Lord, I can love those who hate me only in your strength and with your help, so please help me, amen.