Luke 6:28
bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 6:28
bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's striking here is that "abuse" or "despitefully use you" carries a weight of deliberate, coarse insult, not just simple disagreement. Jesus isn't just asking us to tolerate minor annoyances, but to actively bless and pray for those who intentionally heap verbal abuse and ill-will upon us. This is where the command transforms from mere patience to a radical, Spirit-empowered act of grace.
Jesus has just finished choosing his twelve apostles and has come down from a night of prayer. He's now addressing the crowds that have gathered, teaching them a radical way of life that contrasts sharply with the prevailing norms, urging them to love their enemies. This instruction to bless and pray for those who curse and abuse them flows directly from that core teaching on extending love beyond our immediate circle, even to those who actively wish us harm.
Jesus calls us to a radical love that seems impossible. But He didn't just give a command; He showed us how it's done. Where can we see this ultimate example in action?
Jesus's instruction to 'bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you' (Luke 6:28) isn't just a rule; it's a reflection of God's own character.
God's Unwavering Kindness
God doesn't withhold His goodness, even from those who reject Him. His sun rises on the wicked and the just, and His rain falls on the unrighteous and the righteous alike (Matthew 5:45). This demonstrates a profound, unconditional love that extends even to those who act against Him.
Echoing the Father's Heart
When we choose to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us, we are actively choosing to imitate our Heavenly Father. This isn't about condoning wrongdoing, but about aligning our hearts with God's desire for reconciliation and showing His love to a broken world. It’s a powerful testament to our adoption as His children.
When someone curses you or abuses you, the natural instinct is to retaliate. Jesus flips this script entirely. What does this transformation look like in practice?
Jesus's command to 'bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you' (Luke 6:28) directly challenges our desire for revenge.
Redefining 'Blessing'
To 'bless' in this context means to speak well of, to wish well to, and to offer favor, even to those who are actively wishing us ill. It’s a verbal and intentional act of goodwill that runs contrary to our wounded feelings.
The Transformative Force of Prayer
Praying for those who 'despitefully use' us (a strong term implying harsh insults and mistreatment) is not a passive act. It’s an active engagement that seeks God’s intervention and transforms our own perspective. This prayer isn't necessarily for their immediate punishment but for their well-being, and ultimately, for their repentance and salvation. It’s about entrusting the situation to God and seeking His heart even in our pain.
Understand the original words
eulogeite · Greek Verb
To speak well of, to invoke God’s favor upon, or to express a desire for another's spiritual and physical prosperity. It is the direct opposite of cursing.
katarōmenois · Greek Verb
To speak evil, invoke calamity, or use malicious language against someone. It is a sign of spiritual hostility and lack of respect for the image of God in another person.
epēreazontōn · Greek Verb
To treat with violence, insult, or spiteful harassment. It involves the intentional mistreatment of someone, especially for their faith or association with Christ.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles
After a night of prayer, Jesus selects his core group of disciples who would help spread his teachings. This foundational event sets the stage for the ministry that follows.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus Teaches the Sermon on the Plain
Jesus delivers a powerful sermon outlining the ethics and values of his kingdom, including radical commands like loving enemies and praying for persecutors.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Prays for His Crucifiers
According to Luke's Gospel, Jesus, even in his final moments on the cross, prays, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' This is a direct, earthly example of his teaching in action.
c. AD 34-36
Stephen's Martyrdom
During his stoning, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, imitates Jesus' example by praying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,' and then, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' This event highlights the powerful application of Jesus' teaching.
This passage in Matthew directly echoes Jesus' command to bless those who curse you and pray for those who abuse you, highlighting the core principle of extending love even to enemies.
1 Peter 3:9Peter instructs believers not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but rather to bless, which directly parallels the radical command found in Luke 6:28 and shows its practical outworking in the early church.
Romans 12:14Paul urges believers to 'bless and do not curse,' reinforcing Jesus' teaching in Luke and emphasizing that blessing those who persecute us is a distinct call for those who follow Christ.
Luke 23:34This verse records Jesus praying for His crucifiers, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' This is the ultimate example of fulfilling the command given in Luke 6:28, showing it's not just a teaching but a way of life embodied by Jesus Himself.
Acts 7:60Stephen, facing death by stoning, prayed, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them,' mirroring Jesus' prayer and demonstrating how this difficult command to bless and pray for abusers can be lived out in the face of extreme persecution.
pulpitLuke 6:28: "Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
Verse 28. - Pray for them which despitefully use you. Jesus himself, on his cross, when he prayed that his murderers might be forgiven, for they knew not what they were doing, and his true servant Stephen, who copied faithfully his Lord in his own dying moments, are beautiful though extreme examples of what is meant here. It is St. Luke alone who mentions this act of Jesus on the cross; it is St. Luke, again,…
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
What's striking here is that "abuse" or "despitefully use you" carries a weight of deliberate, coarse insult, not just simple disagreement. Jesus isn't just asking us to tolerate minor annoyances, but to actively bless and pray for those who intentionally heap verbal abuse and ill-will upon us. This is where the command transforms from mere patience to a radical, Spirit-empowered act of grace.
Jesus has just finished choosing his twelve apostles and has come down from a night of prayer. He's now addressing the crowds that have gathered, teaching them a radical way of life that contrasts sharply with the prevailing norms, urging them to love their enemies. This instruction to bless and pray for those who curse and abuse them flows directly from that core teaching on extending love beyond our immediate circle, even to those who actively wish us harm.
Jesus has just finished choosing his twelve apostles and has come down from a night of prayer. He's now addressing the crowds that have gathered, teaching them a radical way of life that contrasts sharply with the prevailing norms, urging them to love their enemies. This instruction to bless and pray for those who curse and abuse them flows directly from that core teaching on extending love beyond our immediate circle, even to those who actively wish us harm.
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"bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." — What's striking here is that "abuse" or "despitefully use you" carries a weight of deliberate, coarse insult, not just simple disagreement. Jesus isn't just asking us to tolerate minor annoyances, bu…