Luke 6:28

Commentary on Luke 6:28 (NKJV)

Luke 6:28 (NKJV):

“Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.“

This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17–49), where He lays out the principles of the Kingdom of God, which often stand in stark contrast to worldly values. Luke 6:28 specifically addresses how believers should respond to hostility and persecution. It emphasises the radical love and grace that followers of Christ are called to demonstrate, even toward their enemies.

Context and Theological Teaching

In the broader context of Luke 6, Jesus is instructing His disciples on the ethical demands of living in the Kingdom of God. These teachings echo the themes of the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5 and underscore a profound departure from the natural human inclination towards retaliation.

Radical Love and Grace:

Luke 6:28 teaches that Christians are to bless those who curse them. This radical love is a hallmark of Christian ethics and reflects the character of God who is kind to the unthankful and evil (Luke 6:35).

Praying for those who mistreat us is an act of grace, demonstrating a heart transformed by the Gospel. It is not just about refraining from retaliation but actively seeking the well-being of those who wrong us.

Reflection of Christ’s Example:

Jesus Himself exemplified this teaching throughout His ministry, most poignantly on the cross when He prayed for His persecutors (Luke 23:34). This ultimate act of love and forgiveness sets the standard for Christian conduct.

Transformative Power of Forgiveness:

Forgiveness is viewed as a central tenet of faith, stemming from the forgiveness believers receive through Christ. By blessing and praying for our enemies, we participate in God’s redemptive work in the world, potentially leading others to repentance and faith.

Application to Modern Christian Living

Applying Luke 6:28 to modern Christian living involves several practical steps:

Personal Reflection and Prayer:

Christians are encouraged to regularly reflect on their attitudes towards those who have wronged them and to pray for the strength to respond with grace.

Active Kindness:

Beyond prayer, believers are called to find tangible ways to bless those who oppose them, whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or other means of support.

Community Support:

Churches can provide a supportive environment where believers can share their struggles with forgiveness and receive encouragement and guidance from others who are committed to living out this teaching.

This commentary and its applications challenge believers to embody the radical love and grace of Jesus Christ in their everyday lives, reflecting His transformative power in a world often marked by conflict and division. Through personal reflection, prayer, and active kindness, Christians can live out the teachings of Luke 6:28, bearing witness to the reconciling love of God.