Challenged But Not Alone: Loving Our Enemies

After healing all in a vast multitude with serious physical needs, Jesus turned to a spiritual need that was widespread among his petitioners and listeners.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. (Luke 6, 27-28, 30, 35)

He reminded them that their reward would be "great"; they would be like God, kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." They must apply effort, but not alone.

Writing to the Romans (12: 19-21), Paul used a blunt, functional approach: "if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

From the Scriptures

As usual we find supreme examples in the scriptures.

Prophets and Patriarchs

The prophets and patriarchs had enemies to come to love, but not alone. Jacob (Israel) and Esau had an extremely contentious past. When they ultimately came together—Jacob with his wives and children and Esau with a support brigade of 400 men—Jacob was terrified of what Esau might do to him. But "Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept." After a selfless conversation, they parted as brothers and friends.

Israel's son Joseph had 11 brother-enemies to forgive. In the account Christians know well, the brothers sold Joseph as a slave to Egyptians. After years of enemies, accusers, and promise breakers, Joseph's talents, hard work, and inspiration carried him to the top of Pharoah's government, distributing food available only in Egypt.

When his brothers came to buy food, they did not recognize Joseph, and he challenged and toyed with them. When he revealed himself, enmity was overcome in love with revelation.

Be not grieved nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you . . . to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

The entire family went to live with Joseph in Egypt and ate thereafter "the fat of the land." (Genesis 45:5,7, 18)

The Greatest Love of All

The greatest love, forgiveness, and sacrifice of all time was personified in the one who preached it. Jesus knew intimately and personally the effort of loving enemies and the supreme value of ultimate and infinite forgiveness and reconciliation.

Bradley Green a Professor of philosophy and theology at Christian institutions and author of books and articles on the Savior, wrote, "God has provided a way for enemies to become friends (the atoning death and resurrection of his son, the benefits of which can be appropriated by faith)." Most Christians agree.

"He sent His precious Beloved Son to this fallen world to live the full range of the human experience, to provide an example for the rest of His children to follow, and to atone and redeem." Thus Irish-English Christian leader Patrick Kearon extended these truths to a worldwide audience. He continued,

The intent of the Father’s plan of redemption is in fact your redemption, your being rescued through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, freed from the captivity of sin and death. The intent of the Father’s plan of mercy is to extend mercy as you turn back to Him.

From Today's Christians

Our Savior has and will continue to forgive and love us, to extend His mercy, to redeem us. We might wonder if we are among the enemies needing forgiveness and love. Perhaps we are. But not alone.

Today the internet, social media, broadcast media, huge sports and entertainment gatherings, and school playgrounds provide opportunities for huge numbers and intensities of despiteful use and persecutions. We can easily find people we need to forgive.

Danielle Bernock, who has written extensively on the love and healing power of God, mentioned that loving enemies is "one of the central ethical principles in Christian theology . . . [with] profound implications of how Christians are called to live and relate to others." She mentioned "showing love and kindness" unconditionally, and choosing to act with "compassion, forgiveness, and empathy." This includes praying for these "enemies" —"seeking God's blessings and well-being for those who may wish [us] harm." She concluded, "Loving our enemies means seeing them as human beings needing the Father’s love."

Many people admit that doing this is especially difficult for them. A few miscellaneous examples may illustrate.

Charlotte. As a retired minister who has written often about God's grace and love, Charlotte admitted, "Love your neighbor" is tough enough, but "love your enemy" pushes me beyond my human ability. I know I don't love well . . . When I am around people I don't like, I still am expected to maintain my self-control.

Dallen. As a scholar, professor, attorney, and judge, Dallen quoted one of his highly respected Christian mentors that the commandment to love one's enemies seems "almost greater than we are capable of" and that "most of us have not reached that state of . . . love and forgiveness."

Frederick. As a popular Christian leader, writer, and speaker, Frederick remarked, There is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it . . . We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way.

These individuals are all strong, devoted Christians. Through determined effort, they were able to overcome discouragement with love and compassion. As C.S. Lewis advised in Mere Christianity, "You must ask for God's help . . . After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again."

Charlotte. This determined gospel writer was able later to reflect, I am called to be patient, kind and gentle. When I act like this, treating others as I want to be treated, I can be released from my anger and bitterness and able to find a bit of internal peace instead of constant turmoil.

Dallen. This secular judge was able to arrive at a Christian spiritual judgment. It must be possible, for He also taught, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find” (Matthew 7:7).

Frederick. As a speaker of several languages, he has often thought in metaphors.

In a world of accusations and unfriendliness, it is easy to gather and cast stones. But before we do so, let us remember the words of the One who is our Master and model: “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.”

Brothers and sisters, let us put down our stones.

The pure love of Christ can remove the scales of resentment and wrath from our eyes, allowing us to see others the way our Heavenly Father sees us: as flawed and imperfect mortals who have potential and worth far beyond our capacity to imagine. Because God loves us so much, we too must love and forgive each other.

For Today's Christians

Christians suggest a significant variety of ideas to make it easier to love their enemies. Noting a few might be helpful.

• Remember the golden rule. We learned this in childhood, and it's powerful. Possibly all of us have some experience with being despitefully used or persecuted. Remember how it feels, and don't pass it on.

• Be grateful. Remembering family and friends whose love has enriched our lives and brought us joy can motivate us to help "enemies" find this love and peace.

• Teach love by example. Many Christians stress the importance of personal example, teaching love by experiencing it together.

• "Give extravagantly." An online article titled "It's Hard to Love Difficult People" reminds us that we all are "prickly" sometimes, and we are inclined to speak thoughtlessly. When we fear we may not deserve love or understanding, we should remember to give "difficult people" plenty of the unconditional love we hope God will give to us.

• Offer heartfelt love. Merely speaking of love or thinking of love in terms of clichés can be artificial or impersonal. Love for an enemy (or anyone else actually) must involve the heart as well as the mind or memory.

We all need God's love, forgiveness, and renewal. We must press forward, but not alone. Jeffrey R. Holland, internationally acclaimed Christian author and leader, often comforts Christians who strive to keep commandments, including love and compassion for their enemies. In an often-accessed talk, titled "Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually," he summed up our position and our salvation.

I continue to strive, however clumsily. For [His] perfect gift, I continue to give thanks, however inadequately. I do so in the very name of Perfection itself, of Him who has never been clumsy or inadequate but who loves all of us who are, even the Lord Jesus Christ.

God asks hard things of His people in our mortality; but He will never leave us alone.