Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 6:35. It's a really important message about how we should live our lives. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that loving your enemies and doing good to those who are unkind or bad to you will ultimately lead to incredible rewards and blessings. Let’s unpack each part: “But love ye your enemies…” – This isn't about being nice to everyone. It means treating people with kindness, even when they're difficult or causing us trouble. It’s a conscious choice to not hold onto anger or resentment towards someone. “…and do good…” – This is simply about acting kindly and helpful in the world around you. Small acts of generosity, compassion, and helping others can make a big difference. “…lend, hoping for nothing again;” – This refers to giving to those who are struggling or need help. It’s not expecting anything in return - it's about putting your trust in God to work through our actions. “and your reward shall be great…” – This is the key part! The verse says that those who consistently show love and kindness will be rewarded with something wonderful. “…and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.” - This is a bit more poetic, but it means that God values those who are gentle and forgiving, even to those who don’t deserve it. He wants to look after and cherish them because they are worthy of his love. The word "to the evil" is a little tricky – it suggests that even people who are truly bad or hurtful are still deserving of kindness. In short, the verse encourages us to practice forgiveness, empathy, and generosity, knowing that these actions will bring about a fulfilling and blessed life. It's a powerful reminder that love isn’t always easy – it often requires courage and a willingness to step outside our comfort zone. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Give some real-life examples of how this principle applies? Discuss the historical context of this passage?