Jesus says to love enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you. He includes examples like turning the other cheek and giving to those who ask. He summarizes with, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:27–36).
In Luke 6:27–38 Jesus speaks to those willing to listen and calls for active love toward enemies: doing good, speaking well, praying, and refusing retaliation. He gives concrete examples about insults, theft, and requests. He then contrasts ordinary reciprocity with a distinctive kind of love that does not depend on return. This passage sits within Jesus’ larger public teaching in Luke 6, where he addresses disciples and the surrounding crowd with practical guidance shaped by God’s perspective on status, suffering, and reward.
This passage presents Jesus describing a distinctive kind of life for “you who hear” (responsive listeners). The explicit claims are repeated and concrete: love enemies, do good to those who hate, bless those who curse, and pray for those who insult (verses 27–28).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Luke 6:27-36, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
27But I tell you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28bless them who curse you, and pray for those who insult you.
29To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don`t withhold your coat also.
30Give to everyone who asks you, and don`t ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again.
31"As you desire that men should do to you, likewise do to them also.
32If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
33If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
34If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much.
35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
36Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.