Huntington Church of Christ

Jesus said, "Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you." (Matthew 5:43,44) The Israelites were instructed by Jehovah to rebuke sinful brethren and "love thy neighbor as thyself" (Leviticus 19:17,18), but to my knowledge God never taught them to hate anyone. They were not to love sin, yet it seems as if the Jews had in some way connected the dots and made no distinction between the sin or the sinner. They had come to the conclusion that you love some people and hate hate others. Jesus set things in proper order. Luke's account records it this way -- "I say unto you that hear, love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you." (Luke 6:27,28)

We are to love those who dislike us. The word "love" does not mean that we force hug those who hate us, but rather we "do good" to them. We seek the highest good and welfare for those who despise us. We treat them with humility, kindness and benevolence. When they personally ridicule, curse and despise us, Jesus teaches us to pray for our enemies. He demonstrated such a prayer as he hung upon the cross (Luke 23:34). We might pray for God to forgive them of their sinful and ugly behavior. We may pray that their burdened and hardened heart be softened. We can pray that God's word might penetrate their soul and they be given an opportunity to be saved. We might pray that they hurt no one else. Jesus said this demonstration of love shows that you are "sons of your Father who is in heaven". (Matthew 5:45) "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35)

Like Jesus, the apostle Paul had his fair share of enemies. Those within and without the body of Christ constantly attacked him (Phil. 1:15,16 Acts 14;19). He was physically, mentally and spiritually abused by his enemies (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Therefore, Paul also helps us understand how to deal with enemies. "If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to dirnk: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good". (Romans 12:18-21) Paul tells us to love our enemies.

Brethren, bear precious fruit!

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ