Luke 6:27

Commentary on Luke 6:27 (KJV)

Luke 6:27 is a pivotal teaching from Jesus's Sermon on the Plain, a discourse that outlines the radical ethics of the Kingdom of God. This verse directly challenges conventional human responses to animosity, calling His followers to a higher standard of conduct.

Context

This verse is part of a broader section (Luke 6:27-36) where Jesus expands on the implications of His blessings and woes, moving beyond the traditional "eye for an eye" justice to a revolutionary ethic of love. He addresses "you which hear," indicating a specific call to His disciples and all who would follow Him, to adopt a counter-cultural approach to relationships, especially with those who are hostile. This teaching was revolutionary in a society often marked by tribalism and retribution, setting a new standard for Christian discipleship that transcends mere human reciprocity.

Key Themes

• Radical, Unconditional Love: The central command is to "Love your enemies." This is not a call for emotional affection, which cannot be commanded, but for a deliberate, volitional act of goodwill and benevolent action. It challenges believers to break cycles of hatred and revenge.
• Active Goodness: Following "Love your enemies," Jesus immediately adds, "do good to them which hate you." This emphasizes that Christian love is not passive but active, requiring intentional acts of kindness and benevolence even in the face of hostility or persecution.
• Divine Standard: Jesus sets a standard for His followers that mirrors God's own character. Just as God "maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good" (Matthew 5:45), so His disciples are to extend kindness impartially.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "love" used here is agape (ἀγάπη), which is distinct from other Greek words for love (like philia for friendship or eros for romantic love). Agape signifies a deliberate, unconditional goodwill and benevolent action, a self-sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of their merit or how they treat you. It's a love that chooses to act for the benefit of the other, even an adversary. "Enemies" (echthros - ἐχθρός) refers to those who are hostile, adversarial, or personally opposed to you, while "hate" (miseō - μισέω) denotes active animosity or ill will.

Related Scriptures

This profound command is paralleled in Matthew 5:44, reinforcing its centrality in Jesus's teaching on the new covenant. The concept of responding to evil with good is further elaborated by the Apostle Paul, who urges believers to overcome evil with good and to feed their hungry enemy (Romans 12:20). This unconditional love reflects the very nature of God, who is described as love itself.

Practical Application

Luke 6:27 calls believers to a transformative lifestyle. It challenges us to:

• Break Cycles of Vengeance: Instead of retaliating, we are called to respond with grace and kindness, thereby disrupting the pattern of hatred.
• Pray for Opponents: Loving our enemies includes praying for them, seeking their true well-being and salvation, which can soften our own hearts.
• Be a Witness: Such radical love can be a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel, demonstrating a divine love that the world cannot understand without Christ.
• Cultivate Christ-like Character: This command is fundamental to developing a character that reflects Jesus, who Himself loved and prayed for those who persecuted Him (Luke 23:34).

This verse is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, reminding us that true discipleship involves extending God's unconditional love even to those who are most difficult to love.