Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 6:32

"And if ye love them that love you, what thank have ye? for even sinners love those that love them." — Luke 6:32 (ASV)

At this point we have a remarkable series of comparisons between the courtesies of believers and those of worldly people. Even “sinners” act decently to others when kindnesses are reciprocated.

Loving is augmented by doing good, which, in turn, is expressed in lending.

“Expecting to be repaid in full” probably implies some kind of reciprocal treatment in return rather than the simple repayment of the loan. One should benefit the helpless as well as one’s friends.

Believers are to be like what they really are, “sons of the Most High” (v.35), and as such will have recognition. Jesus is not teaching that one earns sonship (cf. Jn 1:12-13). Rather, the day will come when the world will recognize God’s children (Romans 8:19, 23). “Be merciful” (v.36) singles out that area of life in which, given the preceding examples, one is likely to come short. The pattern for our kindness to others is God’s kindness to us.