There is a famous passage in the Word about a camel passing through the eye of a needle. While it’s thought that a “needle” is actually a small gate, it’s still hard for camels -- loaded up with wealth -- to pass under low gates. In fact, there are few things described in the Bible that are harder to do. Today’s passage covers a command, that for many of us, may exceed the rich man getting his loaded camel to limbo under a small enclosure: loving our enemies. Not just tolerating them. Loving them. Loving them so much that we do good to them. Not only our passive enemies, but the ones who hate us too.

In the apologetics toolbox, there is almost no more powerful tool and nothing that separates our faith more -- save for Calvary -- than today’s radical message. While some traditions advocate forgiveness, it is another ball of wax entirely to actually actively seek the well-being of a wrongdoer. Let’s unpack.

[Luke 6.27-31]

27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What kind of emotions does this stir in you?

+ What does turn the other cheek mean? [v. 29]

+ In verse 30, Jesus says something that ends the debate about giving or not giving to someone on the street. What does he say?

+ Which of these actions that Jesus is asking us to take did He Himself not take?

+ Jesus loves us and His Father -- with whose perfect will He is aligned -- regards us as children. So why then is He advocating this posture towards those who wrong us? It is more than just to model the grace we have received. Read Acts 17.26-31 to find an answer that will set your heart in the right place on this difficult task (hint: we are part of something much larger and our longsuffering helps this plan move forward). Tomorrow’s reading covers more of the why and the reward for doing this, but it all centers back to a larger plan the Father has set in motion.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Have you been sinned against in a way that really hurt or violated you? Jesus has. Maybe the violator is a narcissist who still does not know the pain they have caused. Jesus experienced that, too. Do you not know how you could reconcile (let alone love or do good) to this person? Jesus likely felt the beginning of that feeling well up in Him as well. Are you afraid a wound will open up? You can start by praying for the person who has hurt you, and then earnestly asking the Spirit of Christ for the next move. He will never lead you astray. It may not be an easy move, but He will never lead you astray in this endeavor meant to model Christ for those who may need that model more than you will ever know. And even though the Godhead owes us nothing, we are promised a blessing for taking on this heart posture.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Which one of your enemies will you reach out to and -- irrespective of what you believe their response will be -- seek to do good to them?