This passage instructs followers of Christ to love their enemies is a difficult concept to apply in our personal lives.  We live in a world of extreme beliefs and if others do not share similar views, they will verbally attack each other without mercy.  Not only is it difficult to do, but it is also often misunderstood.  It is not saying that we should not take the proper steps to protect ourselves.  Those who find themselves in an abusive relationship need to put up the proper boundaries to keep from being harmed.  It also does not mean that you are always supposed to be meek and mild when confronted. 

Being able to bless those who are an enemy proves that God’s grace provides the strength to overcome your bitterness.  Feeling resentment and anger toward another person or group of people affects your peace and becomes a burden. Many develop a strategy of only developing relationships with those who share similar beliefs.  However, this strategy does not remove the pain and anger in their lives.  The result is a divided culture that not only believes the worst toward their opposition but desires their destruction. 

Ronald Reagan, as a Republican President and Tip O’Neill, as the Democratic Speaker of the House were political rivals.  However, they agreed that after 6:00PM and before 6:00AM, they could be friends.  They were able to respect each other despite their political warfare.  This is a great illustration of what this passage in Luke represents.  We are called to treat others with respect and kindness despite our differences.  This requires forgiving those who wish ill will toward us.  This act of forgiveness removes the bitterness and resentment from our hearts and allows us to live at peace.  It also provides a witness to others and provides an opportunity for God’s grace to work in the lives of our adversaries as well.  Understand, treating others with kindness does not mean that they will return the kindness.  But you will feel better about yourself when you learn to bless and pray for your opposition!

Read Luke 6:27-42