What does Luke 6:32 mean?

In Luke 6:27–36, Jesus explains how His followers should treat those who won't or can't express love and justice toward others. Verses 27–31 focus on how believers should act: love and pray for those who wish us harm, don't let offenses or assault stop our good works, and actively work for the benefit of our enemies. Verses 32–36 explain why we act this way, starting with the "benefit" we will receive. "Benefit" comes from the Greek root word charis which is elsewhere translated using words such as "goodwill" or "favor" or "grace."

If we only love those who love us, we can assume they will reciprocate. It is normal and human to help others knowing they will help us in return. If we love our enemies (Luke 6:27), however, God will benefit us. He will restore whatever harm we come to because of the persecution we receive (Luke 6:20–23), He will call us His children (Luke 6:35), and He will make up for any lack we experience (Luke 6:38). He promises to give us "what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Luke's text differs from Matthew's in that Luke refers to "sinners" and Matthew to tax collectors and Gentiles (Matthew 5:46–47). A "sinner" in this context is an outsider: someone whose life is characterized by cultural sins. Such a person, in Jewish contexts, lives beyond the boundaries of the law of Moses or the oral law. In Jewish society, Gentiles in general were considered "sinners." Luke is a Gentile writing to Gentile Christ-followers who are striving to live obedient lives. He recognizes that Jesus' point is to distinguish His followers from sinners, not specifically to call out tax-collectors—some of whom came to repentance (Luke 5:27–32; 19:1–10)—or Gentiles.