Loving Difficult People (Part 1)
Luke 6:27-31
1. How to love people who hate you
27 But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you Luke 6:27 (ESV)
18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (ESV)
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (ESV)
When believers face hatred, they are to respond by seeking the welfare of those who hate them.
2. How to love people who heckle you
28 bless those who curse you . . . Luke 6:28 (ESV)
The word “bless” literally means “to speak well.”
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)
3. How to love people who hurt you
28 . . . pray for those who abuse you. Luke 6:28 (ESV)
This kind of hurt involved in abuse is emotional hurt, mental anguish, and pain.