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ROKU AppDo You Love Your Enemies?
Written by Leon Leonard
Jesus Christ taught that we are to love our enemies. This is something that defies human logic, but is necessary to develop God’s holy, righteous character.
Jesus Christ said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy’” (Matthew 5:43). However, contradicting this common reasoning, Jesus went on to say to His followers, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (verse 44).
Why would Jesus command us to do something that seems to challenge human logic?
Because we are not to be guided by logic apart from God’s Word! It takes the power of God’s Holy Spirit to truly apply and live by this teaching. It takes a mind that thinks like God’s mind. This doesn’t happen overnight—it takes years of growth. The converted mind begins to see and understand biblical principles, such as loving our enemies, using godly logic and applying spiritual common sense.
The thought of showing kindness to an enemy is foreign to most people. The carnal mind naturally hates and seeks revenge against those who are adversaries. But God is love (1 John 4:8). His mind is totally concerned for the welfare of people—even those who hate Him. His people are to reflect that same level of love.
Consider these verses that elaborate on Christ’s teaching:
- “Love does no harm to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).
- “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
- “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (Deuteronomy 32:35).
We are to love our enemies, pray for them and allow God to deal with them according to His timetable.
David fasts for his enemies
Consider King David’s example of living by this principle in Psalm 35:11-14. Fierce adversaries rose up against David causing him to experience great sorrow. However, David, being a man after God’s own heart, fasted and mourned for them when they became sick. “I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother” (verse 14). On the other hand, when David fell into adversity, his enemies gathered and rejoiced (verse 15).
David refused to follow the dictates of his human nature to engage in hatred and revenge. He understood the godly principle of loving our enemies. David’s greatest example is that he backed up his knowledge with action.
Developing this characteristic is a key to becoming “sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).
For further insight on loving our enemies, read:
