Demand #30: Love Your Enemies - Do Good To Those Who Hate You, Give To The One Who Asks

Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” — Matt. 18:21-22

But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. — Luke 6:27

And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? — Matt. 5:47


From the Workbook:


What is the opposite of forgiveness? Why is this the opposite of forgiveness? Why is it so important to seek rather than resist reconciliation?

God “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45) without waiting for repentance. How should this knowledge influence the way we live?

What is hate? What are some ways that hate can manifest itself? How does it feel to be hated? How would you respond if you saw a person doing good in Christ’s name to someone who hated them?

Describe why the demands in Luke 6:29–30 are real and radical, yet not absolute descriptions of what love must do in every situation.

Think of an example in your life right now where you have the opportunity to “turn the other cheek” or “give your other tunic” or “give to the one who asks.” Try to biblically weigh what would be the most loving thing to do in this situation. Ask advice from others. Search relevant Scriptures. Act upon your convictions you come to over the course of the coming week.