Shared devotional content from the common study platform.
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
Let's be honest: loving the people who hurt us feels impossible. Our instincts say avoid them, get even, or at least make sure they know they were wrong. But Jesus asks us to go a different way—not because our enemies deserve it, but because that's how God treats us.
So what does this look like on an ordinary Tuesday? Maybe it's being kind to the coworker who takes credit for your work. Maybe it's refusing to gossip about someone who wounded you, or helping a family member who never says thank you. It means doing good without keeping score, and giving without expecting repayment or even a little appreciation.
Here's the beautiful part: God is kind to people who don't deserve it—and that includes you and me. Every day He gives us grace we haven't earned. When we love the unlovable, we're simply passing on what we've already received from Him.
Don't wait to feel warm fuzzies about someone before you act. Love is a choice before it's a feeling. Pick one person today who's been difficult, and do one small, unexpected kindness for them—then leave the results to God.
Father, You have been so good to me even when I didn't deserve it. Give me the strength to love the people who are hard to love, and to do good without expecting anything in return. Let my kindness today point others to You. Amen.
Generate grounded questions from Luke 6:35 for personal reflection or group conversation.