Luke 6:35 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, part of the teachings of Jesus during the Sermon on the Plain. The verse states:
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” (NIV)
Meaning and Interpretation
Love Your Enemies: Jesus is teaching a radical concept of love that extends beyond just loving those who are kind to us. Loving enemies is a call to act with compassion and goodwill even towards those who may harm or oppose us. This love is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through actions.
Do Good and Lend: Jesus encourages not only an attitude of love but also tangible actions that reflect that love. Doing good and lending without expecting repayment illustrates selflessness and generosity. This challenges the common human tendency to seek reciprocity in relationships.
Expecting Nothing in Return: This part of the verse emphasizes the importance of giving and loving without ulterior motives. It suggests that true love is not transactional and does not seek rewards or recognition.
Great Reward: Jesus promises that those who practice this radical love will receive a great reward. This may refer to spiritual blessings, a deeper relationship with God, or rewards in the afterlife. It stresses the idea that God values selfless love and kindness.
Children of the Most High: By loving enemies and doing good, individuals reflect the character of God, who is kind even to those who do not deserve it. This phrase suggests that such behavior aligns one with God’s nature, implying that true children of God emulate His qualities.
Kind to the Ungrateful and Wicked: This final part reinforces the teaching that God’s love and kindness are not based on merit. It serves as a model for how humans should interact with one another, encouraging a grace-filled approach to relationships.
Conclusion
Overall, Luke 6:35 calls for a transformative way of living that challenges societal norms. It emphasizes love, kindness, and generosity towards all, even those who may not reciprocate. This teaching is central to the Christian understanding of love and grace, urging believers to reflect God’s character in their actions and relationships.