Luke 6

Scripture Focus:
“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
— Luke 6:27–28 (NRSVUE)

Reflection

In Luke 6, Jesus turns the world upside down.
He gathers His disciples and begins to teach what we often call the Sermon on the Plain—a message that redefines blessing and power, love and mercy.

“Blessed are you who are poor,” He says. “Blessed are you who hunger now.”
Then He goes even deeper, inviting His followers to do something that seems impossible: love your enemies.

This is the way of Christ—radically different, startlingly generous, disarmingly kind. It’s not about avoiding pain or pretending that injustice doesn’t exist. It’s about choosing love even when it costs us something.

Advent reminds us that the One we await—the One born in humility and peace—embodied this very love. From the manger to the cross, Jesus lived the words He spoke here. To follow Him is to walk this same path of compassion: to bless when others curse, to forgive when it feels undeserved, and to build bridges where the world builds walls.

This is what it means to prepare for His coming—to live His kingdom way now.

Prayer

God of mercy and grace,
You call us to a love that is deeper than comfort,
wider than resentment,
stronger than fear.
Teach us to love as You love—
to forgive freely,
to bless generously,
to see others through the eyes of compassion.
Shape our hearts in the likeness of Your Son,
that we may be known as people of mercy.
Amen.

Practice

Think of someone who has been difficult for you to love—someone who has hurt, frustrated, or disappointed you.
Pause and pray for them today.
You don’t have to condone their actions, but simply hold them before God with honesty and grace.

Then, do one small act of kindness—
send a note, speak a blessing, or pray a silent prayer of peace.
Each time you choose love over resentment,
you help prepare the world for Christ’s coming again.

Copyright © 2025 Ronda Welander