“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you” (Matthew 5:44, NKJV). Few teachings of Jesus are harder to actually live out than this one. It’s easy to agree with in principle and very difficult to practice toward a specific person who’s actually hurt you.
Notice that Jesus doesn’t soften the categories here. Enemies. Those who curse you. Those who hate you. Not difficult acquaintances, actual opposition.
This isn’t a call to pretend the harm didn’t happen or to stay in unsafe situations. It’s a call to refuse the natural response of returning hatred with hatred.
If there’s someone specific this verse brought to mind as you read it, that’s probably not a coincidence. Sit with that name honestly before moving on.