LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
By John C. Carpenter
Jesus taught His disciples, Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for
he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love
you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do
not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:43-48).
In verse
44, the word love is translated from the Greek word agapao, which means to love in a social or moral sense. The word enemies is translated
from the Greek word echthros, which means one who hates, to hate, be hateful, odious, adversary, or foe. Websters Collegiate Dictionary
defines love as strong affection for another, or an unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another. When Christ instructs
us to love our enemies, He wants us to have a strong moral affection and unselfish concern for those who are hateful to us and that
we consider to be our adversaries. But, we can certainly ask, what does it really mean to love our enemies, to love those who hate
us? We must admit that defining love from a biblical [and non-biblical] standpoint can be a difficult task. Do we really know what
God the Father considers love to be? Holy Scriptures tell us that God is love (1 John 4:8 & 16), but can we simple, finite, sinful
human beings really comprehend what that means. Is it really possible to completely understand moral and social love? Maybe we can
and maybe we can't, but we should be able to gain some understanding of biblical love by identifying some of its biblical characteristics,
qualities, hallmarks, parameters, and fruit. If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that for most of us, loving others is
highly difficult, most of the time; while, for some of us, loving their enemies is seemingly impossible, all of the time. Honestly,
loving our enemies is a difficult, agonizing, painful process. But, we must try to remember that it is our Heavenly Father's will
that we love, even our enemies.
LOVE IS OF GOD
First, what does the bible have to say about love? The apostle John instructs
us, as we might expect, that love is reflective of God - it is His nature and His being: Beloved, let us love [Greek, agapao, to love
in a social or moral sense] one another: for love [Greek, agape, affection, benevolence, feast of charity, or to consider dear] is
of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was
manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God
so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and
his love is perfected in us. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love
dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:7-12, 16).
The apostle Paul taught the church in Rome, Owe no man any thing, but to
love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill,
Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly
comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill [Greek, kakos, intrinsically worthless,
depraved, injurous, harmful, wicked, evil] to his neighbour [Greek, plesion, one near or close by, fellow man, countryman, Christian,
or friend]: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:8-10).
THE GREATEST OF THESE IS CHARITY
First of all,
if we are to love our enemies, we must have charity. As we often see in the scriptures, love can be defined as charity - having a
giving spirit. The apostle Paul explains, though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and
though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity [Greek, agape, affection, benevolence, to consider
dear, or to love], I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have
not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not
puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity,
but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:
but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall
vanish away (1 Corinthians 13:3-8).
Paul also taught that love is the greatest of all: When I was a child, I spake as a child,
I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass,
darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity,
these three; but the greatest of these is charity [Greek, agape, love, affection, benevolence, or to consider dear (1 Corinthians
13:11-13). Paul later added, Follow after [Greek, dioko, to pursue, ensue, be given to, or press toward] charity, and desire spiritual
gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1), and Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.Let all your things be done with charity (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).
Paul also wrote to Timothy, Flee also youthful lusts: butfollow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22), while Peter addresses
the value and fruit of charity with these words: And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover
the multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
THOU SHALT NOT AVENGE, NOR BEAR ANY GRUDGE
If we are to love our enemies, we must not
be hateful. Biblical love is not hateful, nor does it hold grudges. We are instructed, Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart:
thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children
of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD (Leviticus 19:17-18). The ever-wise Solomon instructs us
that Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love [Hebrew, ahabah, love, affection in a good sense] covereth [Hebrew, kasah, to cover, close,
conceal, or hide] all sins (Proverbs 10:12).
James also tell us, Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of
the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience(James 5:8-10). Holding grudges results in condemnation. Also, according to James, holding on to anger and grudges results in suffering
and affliction, while avoiding anger and grudges requires considerable patience. Regarding the elect, the apostle Paul instructed
Titus, put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak
evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient,
deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another (Titus 3:1-3), while John,
the evangelist, sternly warns us about hate: Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death
unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer:
and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for
us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:13-16).
CEASE FROM ANGER, AND FORSAKE WRATH
If we are
to love our enemies, we must also control our anger. For the believer in Christ, anger, wrath, and hostility are considered works
of our flesh, and are certainly discouraged. Paul clarifies, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance [Greek echthra, hostility to an enemy, opposition, hatred], emulations,wrath [Greek, thumos, passion, fierceness, indignation, slaughter for any purpose], strife [contention], seditions [division], heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that
they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).
The scriptures instruct us that anger leads
to strife: Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of
wrath bringeth forth strife (Proverbs 30:33). Scriptures also instruct us to Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself
in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth (Psalms 37:8-9).When we are angry, what and how we respond to others is essential. Yet, A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir
up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness (Proverbs 15:1-2). Additionally,James exhorts us, ...my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh
not the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20).
Paul wrote the saints in Ephesus, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and
clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32). For the believer in Christ, not only is anger and wrath discouraged,
but the scriptures even warn us against having a quick temper: Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom
of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9). A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife (Proverbs 15:18), andHe that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly (Proverbs 14:29). Solomon taught,He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city (Proverbs 16:32).
AVENGE
NOT YOURSELVES
If we are to love our enemies, we must not desire to take vengeance on them. According to Paul, love overcomes
evil with good: Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live
peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine;
I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt
heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:14-21). Moses also teaches against
vengeance: Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am
the LORD (Leviticus 19:17-18).
Rather than anger and vengeance, Peter taught compassion, love, pity, and courteousness when he
wrote the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1): be ye all of one mind, havingcompassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil [Greek, kakos, worthless, depraved, injurious,
harmful, wicked] for evil, or railing [Greek, loidoria, slander, vituperation, mischief, reproach] for railing: but contrariwise blessing;
knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:8-9). Having pity and being courteous towards our
enemies is a challenge for most of us.
Concerning revenge, Jesus pointedly taught His own disciples, Ye have heard that it hath
been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee
on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy
cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would
borrow of thee turn not thou away (Matthew 5:38-42). It behooves us to remember that vengeance belongs only to our heavenly Father:O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself (Psalms 94:1).
In fact, King Solomon
coaches us not to even be glad when our enemy stumbles. He wrote, Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be
glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD seet it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him [our enemy]. Fret not thyself because
of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be
put out (Proverbs 24:17-20).
HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS
If we are to love our enemies, we must also not allow our hearts to
become hardened, that is, stubborn. Without a doubt, our enemies can certainly provoke in us anger, resentment, agitation, and a stubborn
mind and heart. But God the Father's will is that we prevent these reactions. The apostle Paul instructs us, Harden [Greek, skleruno,
to make tough, indurate, or to render stubborn, or to become fierce] not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation
in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation,
and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways (Hebrews 3:8-10). We must remember that God the Father
is renewing and softening our hearts. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God tells us, A new [Hebrew, chadash, new, fresh, a new thing,
rebuilt, or repaired) heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out
of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and
ye shall keep my judgments, and do them (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
In order to deal biblically and effectively with those who would
hate and hurt us, we must not only allow, but depend on God to give us a different heart. Paul exhorted the believers in Ephesus with
these words: This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their
mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the
blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye
put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit
of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:17-24).
Referring
to Israel, and to all believers, the psalmist teaches that having a hardened heart is not God's will, and will hinder our relationship
with Him: O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of
his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in
the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved
with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways (Psalms 95:6-10).
LET
ALL BITTERNESS, AND WRATH, AND ANGER, AND CLAMOUR, AND EVIL
SPEAKING, BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU
If we are to love our enemies, we must
also not allow ourselves to become bitter. The scriptures clearly warn, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and
evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as
God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32). James wrote, Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let
him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory
not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish (James 3:13-15).
The
author of the book of Hebrews, probably Paul, also exhorts us to Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall
see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness [Greek, pikria, acridity, poisonous,
sharp, or pungent) springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled (Hebrews 12:14-15).
BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER
If
we are to love our enemies, we must also have a spirit of kindness. The scriptures tell us, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger,
and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32). As fellow workers with Christ, we are to show patience,
kindness, and love when we suffer: We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in
vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted
time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving
ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments,
in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by
love unfeigned (2 Corinthians 6:1-6).
About kindness, the apostle Peter teaches, Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and
precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through
lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to
temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (2 Peter 1:4-7).
THE
SERVANT OF THE LORD MUST NOT STRIVE; BUT BE GENTLE UNTO ALL MEN,
APT TO TEACH, PATIENT
If we are to love our enemies, we must
also have patience. Paul wrote the church in Colossae, Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that
which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business;
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation [Greek, thlipsis, pressure, affliction, anguish, experiencing
a burden, persecution, or trouble]; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality (Romans
12:9-13). As we all know, our enemies can certainly cause us to feel stress, anguish, and trouble; and being patient in the midst
of those feelings can surely try our patience.
Paul taught the believers in Thessalonica ...warn them that are unruly, comfort
the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men (1 Thessalonians 5:14); and to Timothy, he wrote the servant of the
Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if
God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare
of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Paul also explained that because God is full of patience
and consolation, we should be likewise with one another: Let every one of us please his neighbour [and his or her enemy] for his good to
edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For
whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might
have hope. Now the God of patience [Greek, hupomone, cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy, patient continuance] and consolation [Greek, paraklesis,
imploration, solace, comfort, exhortation, or intreaty] grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus (Romans
15:2-5).
BE THEREFORE MERCIFUL, AS YOUR FATHER ALSO IS MERCIFUL
If we are to love our enemies, we must be willing and eager
to show mercy. About mercy, Jesus taught His own disciples, love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again;
and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be
ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:35-36). Jesus also taught them that those who are merciful shall receive
mercy: Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7).
Jesus also instructed some leaders of the Jewish
church, some Pharisees, about the priority of having mercy. Scriptures tell us, And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house,
behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his
disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need
not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not
come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:10-13).
James, the brother of Jesus, explained the dangers of
being unmerciful - that those who show no mercy shall not receive mercy: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed
no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment (James 2:13). According to the scriptures, the one who shows mercy does himself good.
Indeed, The merciful [Hebrew, chesed, kindness, favour, to do a good deed, have loving kindness, or to take pity] man doeth good [Hebrew,gamal, benefit, requite, to deal boutifully, have good recompense, or to be rewarded] to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth
his own flesh (Proverbs 11:17).
THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST ABOUND IN US
If we are to love our enemies, there will no doubt
be some level of suffering on our part. Loving those who do not love us is difficult, and we shall certainly suffer as a result. Writing
the church in Corinth, Paul referred again to the extensive suffering he has experienced: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to
comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ
abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation
and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above
strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves,
but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver
us (2 Corinthians 1:3-10). Paul's suffering was, in fact, so severe that he despaired of living.
Paul also warned the believers
in Philippi that they would suffer for the sake of faith in Christ. He wrote them, For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ,not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me (Philippians
1:29-30).
Paul referred to the extent of his suffering in his letter to the Thessalonian believers. He wrote, Wherefore when
we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and
our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved
by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that
we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know
your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5). In his calling and
ministry, The apostle Peter found it necessary to be counted worthy to suffer shame for his [Christ's] name (Acts 5:41), while Paul
and Barnabas also accepted the fact that they should suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians
9:12).
Clearly, the scriptures teach the believer that suffering shall be the close companion of the believer in Christ, but
they also teach that believers who suffer for the sake of Christ shall receive eternal life. Paul encouraged Timothy, Remember that
Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even
unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation
which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If
we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us (2 Timothy 2:8-12). Again, the spiritual principle is
that death brings life, even with suffering. There is a reward for our suffering.
PRAY FOR THEM WHICH DESPITEFULLY USE YOU, AND
PERSECUTE YOU
If we are to love our enemies, we must also pray for them. Praying for our enemies is extremely difficult for most
believers in Christ, but it is the Lord's will that we do so. Jesus particularly reminded His disciples, Ye have heard that it hath
been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:43-44).
Christ even
teaches us that we are to pray for our enemies because His will is that all men will be saved, including our enemies: I exhort therefore,
that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that
are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
We
are also to pray for our enemies and those who hate and abuse us because they do not know what they are doing, or why. Regarding those
who hated Him and even desired to kill Him, Christ prayed to His Heavenly Father: And when they were come to the place, which is called
Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father,
forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots (Luke 23:33-34).
BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER,
TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER
If we are to love our enemies, we will have to do what is probably the most difficult thing
for most of us – we have to forgive our enemies for whatever they thought, said, did, or didn't do. For most people, forgiving those
who hurt us is very difficult, but we should try to always remember that forgiveness is the Father's will for us. Paul instructed
the believers in Ephesus about forgiveness. He wrote them, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's
sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32).
When Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray, He included the need for forgiveness:After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew
6:9-15).
The Lord makes it clear that if we do not forgive, our Father in heaven will not forgive us our own trespasses. After cursing a fig tree, Jesus also told His disciples, when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father
also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive
your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26). Having God's forgiveness is dependent upon our forgiving. The believer in Christ is to endure and
suffer for one another, as well as forgive one another (Colossians 3:13).
While speaking to His own disciples, Jesus clarified
that we will certainly be offended by others, and that if another offends us and then says he repents, forgiveness on our part is
required. The Lord taught, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better
for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against
thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him (Luke 17:1-4).
BE
YE THEREFORE PERFECT, EVEN AS YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT
According to the Christian scriptures, love is [or, according
to the scriptures, should be] giving, patient, kind, charitable, graceful, and hospitable. Peter exorts us to love others with these
words: above all things have fervent [intentional] charity [Greek, agape, affection, benevolence, to consider dear, or to love] among
yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality [Greek, philoxenos, fond of guests, given to and lover
of hospitality, to be friendly or neighborly] one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister
the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:8-10). The apostle James adds, fulfil the royal
law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well (James 2:8).
Regarding those who would use
us, abuse us, sin against us, curse us and hate us, Luke, the evangelist, teaches us, I say unto you which hear, Love [Greek, agapao,
to love in a social or moral sense] your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid
not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as
ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners
also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children
of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (Luke
6:27-36).
Holy Scriptures also exhort us, Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to
them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth
to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:12-14). If we desire to be forgiven by others, we should also desire to forgive others.
New
testament scriptures clearly remind us that the believer in Christ is not to walk according to the desires of the flesh, but walk
in the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit, even, and maybe especially, with those who are our enemies: Now the works of the flesh
are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations,
wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as
I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit
is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that
are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (Galatians
5:19-25).
According to Jesus, unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy
cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not
again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise (Luke 6:29-31), and Blessed are the peacemakers: for
they shall be called the children of God (Matthew 5:9). The believer in Christ is to Follow peace with all men, and holiness,
without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14), and Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse [them] not (Romans 12:14).
Paul
exhorted the Ephesian church [and all believers] to put on our new personalities created by God the Father in righteousness and true
holiness. Paul explained, put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away
lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down
upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:24-27). Jesus even commanded His disciples to love one another [including
our enemies]: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By
this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:34-35).
Paul taught the believers in
Rome to Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in
you, live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:17-18). Regarding our enemies, and others, what do the scriptures tell us that the Lord
requires? The prophet Micah reminds us, Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before
him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers
of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what
is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God [including our
enemies]? (Micah 66-:8). Believers in Christ are to do what is right, to love mercy, and walk humbly before God.
As Jesus said
in our subject verses, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the
good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans
the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect [Greek, teleios,
complete in labor, growth, mental and moral character, of full age], even [specifically] as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matthew
5:43-48). According to Christ, if we would be mentally and morally fully developed, mature and complete, spiritually, we must bless,
do good to, pray for, and love those who we consider to be our enemies. Christ describes this as perfection.
Regarding those
with whom we strive and have conflict [such as our enemies], the scriptures tell us to seek and use heavenly wisdom: Who is a wise
man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have
bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is
earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above
is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace (James 3:13-18). Paul then exhorts us, Be ye therefore
followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and
a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour (Ephesians 5:1-2). Paul encouraged Timothy to have charity [Greek, agape, love, affection,
benevolence] out of a pure [Greek, katharos, clean, clear] heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned (1 Timothy 1:5).
Finally,
God the Father has promised that we will not be left alone with our enemies. Our Father in heaven will not abandon us to those who
hate and hurt us. Clearly, holy scriptures teach that believers in Christ should not only love our enemies, but they also teach that
God the Father has promised to be with us and deliver us from our enemies. Luke, a first century C.E. historian, physician, and disciple
of Jesus wrote, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation
for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That
we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember
his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the
hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life (Luke 1:68-75).
Believers in Christ shall surely be delivered from our enemies so that we may serve Jesus Christ and God the Father all the days of
our lives. AMEN!