The ethic Jesus calls his disciples to is so radically different from the ethic of the world of his time and the world of our time. Not only are we to love our enemies but we are to continue to do so even when rejected, mistreated, or otherwise treated negatively.
27 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 To the person who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other as well, and from the person who takes away your coat, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your possessions back from the person who takes them away. 31 Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.
Luke 6:27-31
Am I prepared to love my enemies in this way? Am I even prepared to love my friends in this way? This is truly a behavior that requires God’s love and God’s vision. The Spirit’s presence is essential. And in case we only pay lip service to these standards, Jesus prods us with this warning: 46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do what I tell you?”
