“I say to you who are listening, Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you.”
- Luke 6:27,28
True followers of Jesus Christ, those who take his teachings to heart and imitate his paramount example in living a godly life, are often subject to ridicule, hatred, opposition and persecution, just as what Jesus himself experienced in the hands of his enemies. Their being set apart from worldly ways makes them "strangers" among mankind. Because of this, they are being misunderstood and misrepresented, which could eventually lead to their being hated, cursed, insulted and persecuted.
That is why their leader, Jesus Christ, told them the above statement. He pointed out that his disciples should act lovingly toward those who show hostility to them. This includes doing good to those hating them by responding to their hostility with gracious actions, blessing those cursing them by speaking with them in a kind way, praying for those persecuting them with physical violence or other forms of insulting treatment.
By doing these things, they may be able to help their enemies or persecutors transform their hearts and attitudes to the effect that they will come to understand the standpoint and determination of Jesus' followers and thus receive the favor and blessings of God himself. This is indeed a loving action toward one's enemies.
