New Testament
Luke 6:32
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If you only love people who love you back, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.
Compare translations
For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
What Luke 6:32 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus challenges the common notion of love that is conditional. He points out that loving only those who love us back is not remarkable; even those who do not follow God, referred to as 'sinners,' do the same. The implication is that true love should extend beyond our comfort zones and should include those who may not reciprocate our affection. This teaching encourages us to love unconditionally, reflecting God's love for us, which is not based on our actions or worthiness. By loving those who may not love us in return, we demonstrate a higher standard of love that aligns with the character of God. This verse serves as a reminder that our love should be inclusive and selfless, challenging us to reach out to others, especially those who are marginalized or difficult to love. It calls us to examine our motives and the depth of our love, pushing us to grow in our relationships with others and to embody the love of Christ in our daily lives.
How to apply Luke 6:32 to your life
To apply this teaching, we can actively seek to love those who may not love us back. This could mean reaching out to someone who is difficult to connect with, offering kindness to strangers, or forgiving those who have wronged us. By doing so, we reflect God's love in our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 6:32
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 6:32
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 6:32 teach about love?
Luke 6:32 teaches that loving only those who love us back is not true love. Jesus emphasizes that even those who do not follow God, referred to as 'sinners,' can love those who love them. The verse challenges us to extend our love beyond our comfort zones and to include those who may not reciprocate our affection, reflecting a higher standard of love that aligns with God's unconditional love.
How can I apply Luke 6:32 in my life?
To apply Luke 6:32, actively seek opportunities to love those who may not love you back. This could involve reaching out to someone who is difficult to connect with, showing kindness to strangers, or forgiving those who have hurt you. By doing these things, you embody the selfless and inclusive love that Jesus teaches, reflecting God's love in your daily interactions.
What is the significance of loving unconditionally?
Loving unconditionally is significant because it reflects the nature of God's love for us, which is not based on our actions or worthiness. By loving without expecting anything in return, we demonstrate a deeper moral standard and challenge ourselves to grow in our relationships. This kind of love can transform communities and encourage others to act similarly, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion.
Why does Jesus mention 'sinners' in Luke 6:32?
Jesus mentions 'sinners' in Luke 6:32 to highlight that even those who do not follow God are capable of loving those who love them. This comparison serves to illustrate that mere reciprocal love is not extraordinary. By pointing this out, Jesus encourages His followers to aspire to a higher standard of love that includes everyone, even those who may be marginalized or difficult to love.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.