Choosing Love and Blessing In The Face of Offense
Scripture Focus: Luke 6:27–28 (NIV)
"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
In a world that constantly glorifies revenge, personal gain, and the applause of man, Jesus presents a radical standard for His followers: love your enemies. These words are not mere poetic ideals. They are spiritual directives designed to shift our battles from the flesh to the spirit.
When we choose to love instead of retaliate, to bless instead of curse, and to pray instead of slander, we disarm the enemy and walk in the higher calling of Christ.
It’s easy to love those who love us. It feels natural to do good to those who are kind. But Jesus calls us to more. He calls us to reflect His heart in the most challenging moments: when we’re wronged, misunderstood, or mistreated. Romans 12:17–21 echoes this by reminding us: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This isn’t weakness. It’s divine strength in action.
When you’re tempted to respond to offense with offense, remember that your battle is not with the person, but with the unseen forces that seek to provoke you. Ephesians 6:12 makes it clear: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against... the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Fighting with fleshly weapons only pulls us into the enemy’s territory. But spiritual weapons—love, prayer, blessing—are divinely powerful and break strongholds not just in others, but within us.
Jesus didn’t just teach this; He lived it. While being crucified, He prayed for His executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). That is the purest example of spiritual maturity: loving when it’s undeserved, blessing when it’s unreciprocated, and praying when it feels impossible. We are called to walk in that same spirit, not to earn favor from man, but to reflect the heart of God.
Beware of seeking your worth in the approval of others. Proverbs 29:25 warns us, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Man’s praise is fleeting and fickle. One day they shout your name in support; the next they may turn on you. But when your life is anchored in the Word of God and the love of Christ, you no longer need the applause of man because you’re living for the approval of Heaven.
Let us not forget: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world... They have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Loving your enemy doesn’t just release them. It releases you. Blessing those who curse you isn’t passive, t’s powerful. It declares that your trust isn’t in vengeance, but in the vindication of the Lord.
Three Practical Ways to Seek the Will of God Daily:
Begin your day with intercession. Even for those who hurt you.
Set aside a few moments each morning to pray for those who may have wronged or offended you. Ask God to bless them, heal them, and lead them to truth. This keeps your heart tender and aligned with God's will.Speak blessings aloud instead of complaints.
When you feel the urge to gossip, retaliate, or vent in anger, choose instead to speak a blessing. Even a whispered “Lord, help them” shifts the atmosphere and guards your spirit.Detach from people-pleasing.
Evaluate where you might be seeking man’s approval. Commit to fasting from social validation. Whether through social media or workplace affirmation, for a set time. Use that time to deepen your intimacy with God and His voice over your life.
Final Encouragement:
You don’t have to carry the burdens of offense, bitterness, or retaliation. The Lord offers you a lighter yoke, one rooted in love, grace, and power. When you choose to bless instead of curse, to love instead of hate, and to pray instead of plot, you’re not just obeying Scripture, you’re becoming more like Christ. And that is where true freedom and victory begin.