Luke 6:28
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luke 6:28 (KJV)
Context
Luke 6:20-49 records Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, a counterpart to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. Jesus speaks here to His disciples and a large crowd, teaching what life in God’s kingdom looks like. In Luke 6:28, He gives two direct commands about responding to hostility.
Meaning
“Bless them that curse you” means to speak well of those who speak evil of you. The Greek word translated “bless” (eulogeō) carries the idea of speaking good words, not returning insult for insult. When someone reviles us, the natural response is to strike back with words. Jesus calls His followers to a different path: answer hatred with goodwill and wish for the well-being of those who wish us harm.
“Pray for them which despitefully use you” goes further. The phrase “despitefully use” (epēreazō) refers to mistreatment, abuse, or malicious injury. Instead of nursing resentment or planning revenge, believers are to pray for those who misuse them. Prayer for an enemy does not excuse the wrong, but it changes the heart of the one praying. It loosens the grip of bitterness and opens the way for compassion and reconciliation.
This teaching reflects a deep-seated righteousness that goes beyond outward obedience. Jesus is not describing a feeling but a deliberate act of the will, enabled by God’s grace. It is a severe and difficult duty, yet it is rooted in the character of God, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked (Luke 6:35).
Biblical connections
The command to bless those who curse is echoed in Romans 12:14, where Paul writes, “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” This reinforces the same principle: the believer’s response to mistreatment is to be marked by blessing, not retaliation. Jesus Himself modeled this when He prayed for His persecutors from the cross (Luke 23:34).
Application
Cultivate a heart of love and forgiveness: Ask God for grace to respond to those who mistreat you with love instead of anger or revenge.
Speak blessings instead of curses: When insulted or criticized, choose kind and uplifting words. Speak well of others, even when they speak poorly of you.
Pray for your enemies: Make it a habit to pray for those who misuse you. Ask God to bless them, grant them wisdom, and bring transformation to their lives. This helps release bitterness and opens the door to healing.
Seek reconciliation: Where possible, pursue peace with those who have wronged you. Reach out in kindness and try to understand their perspective, showing the love of Christ in action.
Reflection
Jesus’ commands in Luke 6:28 aim to transform not only behavior but also the heart. By blessing and praying for those who curse and mistreat us, we reflect the character of Christ and become instruments of His love and grace in the world.
