I think Luke 6:27-36 contains some of the most difficult teaching in all of Scripture. It is easy to love people who love us. Loving people who hate us and mistreat us is an entirely different story. There are some who have tried to blunt the force of Jesus' words here. They have suggested that Jesus is giving us an ethic that applies only to thr millennial kingdom. But that won't do. Jesus Himself has already lived out the teaching of this passage on the cross. Thus, it is very hard to say that it does not apply to the here and now.
The real question that this passage confronts us with is why. Why should we love people who mistreat us and say mean things to us? It seems almost to be a fundamental truth of human existence that we should hate people like that. "Eye for eye; tooth for tooth." But Jesus calls us to a higher standard. Why?
He gives at least two reasons. One reason is this: anyone can love people who love them. But love people who hate you and you will stand out as a Christian. No one will doubt your claim to know Christ when you love the person who cursed you or spit in your face. Only someone filled with the Holy Spirit can do that.
The second reason is this: God gave us mercy. We should do the same to others. The important point here is the point that Paul makes in Romans. Jesus died for us when we were still His enemies. He loved us when we were not loving Him. If He did that for us, how can we not do the very same for others? God has given us more mercy than we will ever pass on to anyone else.
I am fond of saying that true Christianity is counter cultural. That is nowhere more evident than in Luke 6. The next time that rude driver cuts you off in traffic, don't sound your horn. Throw a kiss. Pray a prayer for that person to be blessed. Respond to hate with love.
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