Love Your Enemies

Luke 6:27-38

Father Mark’s sermon focuses on Jesus’ teachings from the Gospel of Luke, particularly on loving and doing good to one’s enemies. He emphasizes that these teachings are not about passivity but about embodying the love and mercy of God. Jesus’ instructions to turn the other cheek, give to those who beg, and not retaliate are seen as invitations to live within the Kingdom of God, where actions are determined by God’s love rather than by external circumstances. Father Mark highlights that true strength comes from responding with love and mercy, even in the face of hatred and abuse, and that this is the essence of the Christian faith. He encourages listeners to act from their true selves, which are rooted in God’s love, rather than reacting from the ego’s mindset of competition and judgment.

Father Mark also addresses the misconception that Jesus’ teachings are naive or impractical. He argues that these teachings are not about being a doormat but about embodying the love and mercy of God, even in difficult situations. He uses the example of Jesus’ own life and death to illustrate true strength and courage. Father Mark emphasizes that living out these teachings is the calling of every Christian and that it requires a mindset shift from the world’s values to God’s values.

Father Mark concludes by emphasizing the importance of responding to negative circumstances from a place of inner freedom and love, rather than reacting from a place of ego and worldly values. He encourages listeners to allow God’s will to be done in their lives and to embody the loved and loving identity that is their core.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.