Jesus’ Radical Command

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (Luke 6:35)

Jesus was quite a radical! He gave several commands that went entirely against His day's cultural norms, and this was one of them. He commanded people to love their enemies, do good to them, and lend without expecting anything in return. The culture of Jesus’ day was similar to today’s because our natural inclination is not to love our enemies but to defend ourselves, attack them first, or repay them for the same damage they caused us. Jesus didn’t even say to “tolerate” our enemies (which could be a difficult task in itself).

Loving our enemies means seeking their good, praying for them with heart, and treating them with dignity, regardless of what they have done or how they treat us.

How is this possible? How can we live that type of love toward those who oppose us? The Bible tells us that God is love. His compassion is a part of His identity. Too many people don’t know God’s character. They assume He is constantly vengeful and angry, but they learn the truth when we react and respond like God, in compassion. They can learn that God is love through our mercy and generosity.

Jesus didn’t tell us to merely think good thoughts about our enemies, but He told us to do good and lend, hoping of nothing to gain. Christians should be known for selfless generosity, reflecting God’s character to those around us. Jesus promised that our reward will be great when we live out His radical commands of loving our enemies and living in intentional, selfless generosity.

Practical Application

What can you lend to someone in need and expect nothing in return? Maybe you could give someone financial help, time, or resources to benefit them. Ask the Holy Spirit to put someone on your heart and seek how you can lend in a heart of radical generosity.

2 Timothy 2:24; Ephesians 4:32