Luke 6:35

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Study Bible

But love your enemies
The Greek word for "love" here is "agapao," which signifies a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others, regardless of their actions towards us. This command challenges the natural human inclination to retaliate or harbor resentment. In the historical context of Roman-occupied Judea, where enemies were not just personal adversaries but also oppressive rulers, this command was radical. It calls believers to transcend societal norms and reflect the divine love that God extends to all humanity.

do good to them
The phrase "do good" translates from the Greek "kalos poieo," which implies performing acts that are inherently good, noble, and beneficial. This goes beyond passive non-retaliation to active benevolence. In a world where reciprocity was expected, doing good without expecting anything in return was countercultural. This reflects the Christian ethic of proactive kindness, mirroring the goodness of God who provides for all, regardless of their righteousness.

and lend to them, expecting nothing in return
The act of lending without expectation of repayment is a profound expression of grace. The Greek word "apelpizo" means to hope or expect, and here it is used in the negative form, emphasizing the purity of the giver's intentions. In ancient times, lending was often transactional, with interest or favors expected in return. Jesus' teaching here dismantles the economic norms of the day, encouraging believers to reflect God's generosity, who gives freely and abundantly.

Then your reward will be great
The promise of a "great reward" is both spiritual and eschatological. The Greek word "misthos" refers to wages or recompense, suggesting that God acknowledges and values the sacrifices made in His name. This reward is not necessarily material but is rooted in the eternal blessings and the joy of aligning with God's will. It assures believers that their efforts to live out Christ's teachings are not in vain.

and you will be sons of the Most High
Being called "sons of the Most High" signifies a deep, familial relationship with God. The term "sons" (Greek "huios") implies inheritance and identity. In the Jewish context, being a "son" meant sharing in the character and mission of the father. Thus, believers who love their enemies and do good are reflecting the nature of God Himself, who is merciful and loving to all.

for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked
The Greek word for "kind" is "chrestos," which denotes a goodness that is useful and benevolent. God's kindness extends even to those who are "ungrateful" (Greek "acharistos") and "wicked" (Greek "poneros"), highlighting His indiscriminate grace. This divine attribute sets the standard for Christian behavior, urging believers to emulate God's boundless mercy and compassion, regardless of human merit. This teaching underscores the transformative power of grace, which can soften hearts and change lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this teaching, providing guidance on how to live a life that reflects the character of God.

2. Enemies
Those who oppose or act against us, whom Jesus instructs us to love and treat with kindness.

3. Sons of the Most High
A term used to describe those who emulate God's character, particularly His kindness and mercy.

4. The Most High (God)
The ultimate example of kindness and mercy, even to those who are ungrateful and wicked.

5. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who seek to follow His example.

Teaching Points

Love Beyond Boundaries
Jesus calls us to love not just those who love us but also our enemies. This radical love reflects God's unconditional love for humanity.

Generosity Without Expectation
Lending without expecting repayment challenges us to trust in God's provision and to reflect His generosity.

Reflecting God's Character
By being kind to the ungrateful and wicked, we mirror God's kindness and mercy, demonstrating that we are His children.

Heavenly Rewards
The promise of a great reward encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than earthly returns.

Practical Kindness
Acts of kindness and goodness should be a natural outflow of our faith, impacting those around us and drawing them to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does loving our enemies demonstrate our identity as "sons of the Most High"?

2. In what ways can we practice lending without expecting anything in return in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of loving our enemies challenge our natural inclinations, and how can we overcome these challenges?

4. What are some practical examples of how we can show kindness to those who are ungrateful or wicked?

5. How do the teachings in Luke 6:35 connect with other scriptures that emphasize love and kindness, and how can these connections deepen our understanding of God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 5:44-45
Jesus similarly instructs to love enemies and pray for those who persecute, emphasizing being children of the Father in heaven.

Romans 12:20-21
Paul echoes the teaching of overcoming evil with good, reinforcing the principle of loving one's enemies.

Proverbs 25:21-22
The Old Testament wisdom literature also advises feeding and giving drink to one's enemy, promising a reward from the Lord.

Ephesians 4:32
Paul encourages believers to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other as God forgave us, reflecting God's character.

1 John 4:7-8
Highlights the importance of love as a defining characteristic of those who know God, for God is love.