Luke 6:35

But loue yee your enemies, and doe good, and lend, hoping for nothing againe: and your reward shall bee great, and ye shalbe the children of the Highest: for hee is kinde vnto the vnthankfull, and to the euill. Luke 6:35 (KJV)

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and

to the evil. Luke 6:35 (KJV)

Context: Luke 6:35 belongs to the “Sermon on the Plain,” where Jesus delivers a series of teachings to His disciples and the gathered crowd. In this verse He stresses the radical nature of love, urging His followers to extend love beyond natural affection and to include those who oppose or persecute them.

Love your enemies: Jesus calls His disciples to exhibit a love that reaches beyond friends and family to those who may mistreat or persecute them. This instruction runs counter to the prevailing cultural wisdom of the time, which often endorsed retaliation or hatred toward enemies.

Doing good and lending: Beyond loving enemies, Jesus commands His followers to actively do good to them and to lend without expecting any return. This directive highlights the importance of self‑lessness and generosity, reflecting the character of God Himself.

Hope for nothing again: When we lend, Jesus teaches that we should do so without the expectation of receiving anything back. This mirrors God’s unconditional love and grace, which are not contingent upon any repayment.

Great reward and being children of the Highest: Jesus assures that acts of love, kindness, and generosity toward enemies will not go unnoticed. By imitating God’s character and showing love even to the ungrateful and evil, believers demonstrate that they are children of the Highest, reflecting God’s nature.

God’s kindness and divine promise: The verse concludes by emphasizing God’s character—He is kind not only to the thankful and righteous but also to the unthankful and evil. Moreover, the passage affirms God’s sovereign rule, declaring that the kingdom belongs to Him, and that He is the Prince of peace. This underscores the source of the promised reward and the peace that flows from living out these radical teachings.