“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. … Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:27-36, NIV)
Advent calls us to light the candle of love, symbolizing Christ’s love for us—a love that extends even to the unlovable. Jesus’ command to love our enemies (Luke 6:27) confronts our natural inclinations. As John Calvin reminds us, “Our love for others must not depend on their worthiness but on God’s command to reflect His love.”
Walter Brueggemann observes, “This kind of love disrupts cycles of violence and retribution, revealing the radical kingdom of God.” Loving enemies is not passive but active, as Patrick Miller explains, “True love for others requires seeing them as God does—not as enemies but as broken people in need of grace.”
Jesus demonstrated this love on the cross, praying for those who crucified Him. The Advent season reminds us that His love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Lighting the Advent candle of love challenges us to show mercy as God has shown mercy to us, forgiving others and reflecting His character in our relationships—even with those we find difficult to love.
God often uses difficult people to refine our hearts. Who is God calling you to love this Advent season? Pray for His strength to forgive, show mercy, and extend grace, even when it’s undeserved. Loving the unlovable reflects the heart of Christ and brings His light into a dark world.
Question for Reflection:
Who in your life feels unlovable, and how can you demonstrate Christ’s love to them this Advent season?
Closing Prayer:
Loving Father, You loved us while we were still sinners. Teach us to reflect Your mercy by loving those who are hard to love. Fill our hearts with grace and compassion, and empower us by Your Spirit to forgive and bless as Christ did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Deus Caritas Est
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