Finally, one of my favorite parts of self-love is the growth. Jesus did both: First, he made the sacrifice for sin, with his own body. No. They weren't able to get in a word edgewise - and they left empty, dry, unedified. When you forgive someone, you can experience things such as lower blood pressure, improved symptoms if you suffer from anxiety or depression, and even a boost in your immune system. He didn’t say that at all. And after a while, the conflict began to consume all your thoughts, costing you many sleepless nights. In cultivating compassion, it may help to visualize your enemies as the children they once were (and somehow remain). This is one of the most dangerous emotions for the body. Realize that forgiveness and loving your enemy is more about benefiting yourself than them. Likewise, the apostle Peter warns us about Satan: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). In the early days, his words were kind and loving, and you thought, "We're so close. So-called believers have bombed abortion clinics, murdered abortion doctors, shaken angry fists at gay marchers. There is the ordinary happiness of food, But, the fact is, these things are what make someone your enemy. Show your enemies the genuine respect that every human being deserves. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35–36). "It was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: but it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. It grieved his heart, and he begged God for her healing: "Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee" (Numbers 12:13). Send him to hell, fast." Lay it down and move on. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? God's Truth & Deliverance P.O. Yes, it does. "Do good to them that hate you." ", But now he's forsaken you, perhaps for someone else. We say, "Love your enemies," but then go back to our bunker, maybe with a superficial smile, but without stopping to apply Jesus' words to our lives. Now you see it affecting your family, your relationships, even your physical health. 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). When you love your enemies, you do what God wants you to do. Or do you still hold a grudge, causing your sins to pile up against you? When we can challenge our attitude in a positive way it is very powerful. Then he justified his attitude by saying, "I'm a praying man. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1). It keeps us from falling into the enemy’s traps. When we love our enemies, they put you on our knees more often in prayer. Photo by James Pond on Unsplash “Normally, we don’t want to love someone we’re in an adverse relationship with. Yet, instead, we often joke at their expense. The Old Testament law called for vengeance - an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I'm on my knees always. We may feel it means giving in, surrendering, or giving up our values. 3. Many years ago, for example, I lived with another Jesuit who simply refused to talk to me. Exercise for Seniors: 5 Tips to Help You Stay Active During... 11 Best Diet To Lose Weight – Eat As Much As... 7 Signs That You Suffer From Vitamin-D Deficiency. When we forgive as God forgives, he brings us into a revelation of favor and blessing we've never known. However, if we refuse to forgive the hurts done to us, we have to face these consequences: The writer of Proverbs advises, "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression" (Proverbs 19:11). He's saying, in short, "Suffer the wrong. (Matthew 5:45) In other words, we're to do nothing until our anger has subsided. Box 8930 God knows that loving your enemies is hard and that is why if you choose to do is and go against the grain of worldly thinking (which is to hate those then hate you) then God sees that you are for Him and He rewards you for your efforts. —Matthew 5:44, 46. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:43-45. Others accused him of mishandling money. You be the first to seek reconciliation. I expect this kind of thing in business, but I'm discouraged by what I saw and heard among these men. And he'll go his way laughing while we continue stewing in anger. The criticism of the enemy brings more benefits than the enthusiastic praises of friends. And it’s not easy, … He testified, "Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we entreat" (1 Corinthians 4:12-13). To remit means "to totally forget, renounce, cast aside." I'm sad to say, it's all too true. You can start slow by doing these things: Yet this bosom friend turned on David, betraying him. He called me up, bewildered, asking, "Is it this way in every ministry? Loving your enemies is the desire that they don’t face mere retribution but rather encounter a new way of seeing, thinking, feeling, and choosing. And the second proviso is this: That actually, coming to a position of being able to love your enemy is a journey… It can take time – a really long time – maybe even a lifetime – to get to the point where you can love your enemy. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 3. By learning to let go of your hate, you become one step closer to becoming a better person. And that was too much for me to bear.". In fact, even as he reproaches you, you've remained friendly. We have within us the power to resist any attempt by the devil to devour us. We've already read that if we react as Jesus did, "The Lord shall reward thee" (Proverbs 25:22). Don't wait - don't miss the opportunity - because your enemy's soul could slip into eternity still carrying his sin. Perhaps you're separated or divorced from your mate, and now that spouse is knifing you. Do not dispense compassion from above, but meet your enemies in your imagination always at eye-level. Because Satan succeeds in driving us to thoughts of revenge, he'll be able to lead us into deadlier sins. Brooks blends cutting-edge behavioral research, ancient wisdom, and a decade of experience of experience leading one of America’s top policy think tanks in a work that offers a better way to lead based on bridging divides and mending … I believe Jesus' name has been dishonored by the way many Christians have reacted to evildoers. I know a godly businessman who was invited to serve on the board of a Christian organization. That couple never knew what hit them. 6. Yet, even David finally discovered the gracious spirit of the law. What does it mean to do good to those who oppose us? Hate is too heavy a burden and hurts the one who hates stronger than hated. Our Lord has given us all power and authority over Satan and his demonic forces: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19). What, exactly, does it mean to bless? And this works for you in the long run and improves your communication skills with people. Of course, your kindness may be rejected. Some readers might ask, "Do such things actually happen in the body of Christ? Don't be mistaken - Paul hated these people's sin. Christ is actually commanding us to envision the soul-damning condition of our persecutors. We should love our enemies because God commands, and anything God commands us to do is for our benefit. We say, "Love your enemies," but then go back to our bunker, maybe with a superficial smile, but without stopping to … Your friends will not point out your faults, but your enemies will. I remember an occasion when some people I dearly loved rose up against me, persecuting and reproaching me. You could describe how nobody has ever been jealous, envious or hostile toward you. David made some strong statements about his enemies. Yet your focus isn't to be on your own hurt, but on the deception of your enemy's soul.". Jesus promised, "Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained" (John 20:23). He's made himself my enemy. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. But God’s Word lends us the proper course to keep us upright. Luke 6: 27-28 Why love your enemies & What is In It For You #1 You Bless Yourself. In our awful hurt and depression, we cry out self-righteously against our enemies, "Lord, don't let them live another day.". If you strike me on the face, I’ll hit you so hard your head will fall off.” Even in the church, the vigil… Let's review our lives in light of these three things, to see if we're being obedient to Christ, our head: 1. Being yourself as completely as you can, moment after moment, builds the strength to keep going when it's hard. Trans. He spoke so piously, telling me he wanted what was best for me. Pray for them. "Pray for them which despitefully use you." I have told and laughed at many jokes about our President. Yet Moses didn't rejoice in Miriam's suffering. Yet, if we try to take comfort in the Old Testament's way of dealing with enemies - even our unsaved enemies - we place ourselves back under the bondage of the law. Here are some important reasons why we should love our enemies. It is able to “suck” energy from everywhere and turn a person into an invalid. Jesus says he has given us all power over the enemy. 2. The two men sought each other's opinion on every issue of life. I have truly failed at this command. That will help you in the long run. As I looked at Gwen, I saw discouragement in her eyes. Sometimes a person may not even know he is competitive until he faces a rival. Enemies only have strong personalities, the arena of rivalry here is the right … You may be able to testify that you've won a great victory in Christ. Send him to hell for what he's done to me. Often the reason why you have enemies can be very harmless. An hour or so later, they left bewildered. From the Prologue: Oftentimes we look at sin through two completely diff When you have the confidence to be who you truly want to be, you can discover a lot about yourself. Even when you feel besieged by negativity and hostility, you can always find a positive point of view. Christ states clearly that the battle with Satan has already been won. Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. So, if he is interceding for their souls, how can you remain an enemy to them? Why love your enemies ~ What else is in it for me #2 You Will be Forgiven So I really hope that the simple fact that God wants you to love your enemies is enough for you to do it. experience of what it means to love your enemy. 4 Learn the health benefits of forgiveness. Matthew 5:39 – A free PowerPoint PPT presentation (displayed as a Flash slide show) on PowerShow.com - id: 83c885-ZGRlZ "This is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment" (1 John 3:23). Have You Ever Felt the Betrayal of a Close Friend? Pueblo, CO 81008 After all, if you find a common language and create a comfortable atmosphere for communication, you will gain another friend. We'll become guiltier than the person who inflicted our wound. Nikita Khrushchev understood this and graphically illustrated the difference between Communism and Christianity with this paraphrased remark: “The difference between Christianity and Communism is great. We need building up, but we also need humility. Your enemies will make you see what needs to be changed in your life while your friends … Indeed, God tests our love for him by the love we show to our Christian brothers and sisters. That's when it dawned on me - I'd done all the talking. (v. 110) Navigating difficult people can be well, difficult. Yet you can't believe the venom he spews about you to others - lies, hurtful words, manipulations. But the Lord commands us to love them as people - people for whom Jesus died. Enemies keep us from getting comfortable with ourselves, and with our work. God's mercy and grace toward us will be shut off. Enemies grant that service to us. ", Yet, even as David said this, he portrayed himself as innocent. Or have you become your own head, independent of him? Jesus is saying, "If you'll remit that sin against you, I'll remit it in heaven. He could've pointed a finger at those corrupt religious leaders and said, "I'll see you on judgment day. Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the LORD will reward you. And David shared his heart openly with Ahithophel, thinking he had a spiritual friend. You've had to spend precious time explaining yourself and defending your actions. They make us stronger. And we'll commit transgressions far worse than these. There are vast differences between Christianity and other religions. David was saying, in essence, "If this had been some ordinary person, I could've handled it. Most disputes between people are due to the lack of understanding of the other’s position. They see it expressed in scripture, but they rarely abide by it. You won't get away with this. Their deceptions grieved him, and he spoke out against their evil. Such duels give birth to the right motivation to be better. 3. He prayed, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60). When you forgive those who have hurt you, not only do you release the hurts and offences that hurt and hinder you, but you also entrust them to God who … 7. This is easier said than done, though, so how do you learn to love your enemies? We aren't to take comfort in the thought that God will one day avenge their sins against us. Don't let him live out his days. You know that what this person is doing to you is evil. You may protest, "Lord, I'll serve you, praise you, worship you, sacrifice for you - but don't expect me to lay down this hurt. You did nothing to cause his opposition to you. Without enemies, we will not be able to get the lessons that will make us better. Courage to continue. We're never to make a decision or follow through with any action while we're still angry. Practice trusting your own inner guidance system, and you’ll notice … by Stelios Zarganes, Trim size 4x6, 52pp. In one instance, David's enemy was a close friend, one of God's own people. He was saying, in other words, "Kill this traitor, Lord. Recorded at the 2009 Tibet House US Retreat “Working With Your Enemies” at Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York. I don't mean to be flippant or sarcastic. Recall the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:44-45, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in … ", Christ's command here is very simple: "Make the first move. He faced the combined evil of every significant power in his day - government officials, political heads, church leaders. Loving your enemy But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. Both the yoga and Buddhist teachings provide us with meditationsdesigned to free ourselves of negative emotions that interfere with our ability to love. Often, God's command to love our enemies can seem like bitter, distasteful medicine. In fact, Ahithophel grew so bitter toward David, he actually rallied people against him. But, at the same time, you may be devoured by an ongoing struggle with a human enemy. ... It’s much better to work it out—in such a way that everyone benefits. He said, "Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. Loving your enemies and pray for those who persecute you is hard. "Bless them that curse you." Yet Jesus states very clearly: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. "Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them" (15:12). Moreover, we bring glory to our heavenly father whenever we overlook hurts and forgive the sins done to us. 4 by Hieromonk Gregorios, Elder of the Cell of St. John the Theologian, Koutloumousiou Monastery, Mount Athos. I want to focus instead on our trials with human enemies - flesh-and-blood opponents, people we may live with or work alongside. How are we to react to Christians who've made themselves our enemies? Jesus tells us he's the enemy who sows evil tares in our lives (see Matthew 13:39). Don't wait - don't miss the opportunity - because your enemy's soul could slip into eternity still carrying his sin. "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 5:44). But then, zing - that friend stabbed you in the back. If at any time I despise a person rather than the principles behind that person, I'm not truly representing Christ. ", These are the words of the same godly king who wept when his murderous enemy, Saul, was slain in battle. Now, the important thing about this is that when Jesus said, “Love your enemies,” he didn’t say anything about that magically turning them into your friends. Hatred carries only toxic emotions and leads to bad reactions. To do so builds character in us. Pray for those who have … 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. New study suggests proton therapy for lung cancer lowers risk of…, How Does the Nervous System of the Human Body Work, Emergency Dentist in Angola Discuss Oral Health Misconceptions, Ginger And Garlic Tea – Your Ally To Avoid Flu, 7 Home Remedies For Strengthening Immune System, Restless Leg Syndrome – Willis-Ekboma – Treatment, The secrets to ensure you don’t miss out on fabulous eyelashes, 20 Tips on How to use Aloe Vera for Sunburn, Buy Yellow Kratom: Know its Benefits, Strains and Effects, 8 Benefits of Zumba Dance for Weight Loss, Pranayama : Types, Techniques and Benefits. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27) There are two main reasons why Christians should love their enemies and do good to them. Take it a step further and pray to the Lord to bless them. And God was faithful to avenge Israel against its enemies: "Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters" (15:10). Ways of arousing feelings of loving-kindness: Visualisation — Bring up a mental picture. David ripped his clothes in grief and called upon his friends to fast and pray, crying, "A giant of Israel has fallen. And, right now, Christ is interceding for your enemies. But he never stopped loving the people or praying for their souls. Enemies only have strong personalities, the arena of rivalry here is the right to be a breasts ahead. He was reversing the spirit of flesh that had entered the law. It's beyond my ability to do.". In Love Your Enemies, the New York Times bestselling author and social scientist Arthur C. Brooks shows that abuse and outrage are not the right formula for lasting success. Get a life in the Spirit." And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? Was Jesus contradicting the law here? Jesus also addressed the Old Testament law regarding hurts and injuries. I told them every detail of my hurt - every lie told, every wound inflicted. Enraged teachers, jealous of the revelations Paul received, mocked and misquoted him. He beseeched God, "Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly" (Psalm 6:10). The enemy will not flatter you. No matter what I did, nothing changed his attitude. One day a dear couple in ministry asked to have lunch with my wife, Gwen, and me. But if it's accepted, you can stand on judgment day knowing your enemy wasn't judged and damned because of his sin against you." He stated, "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" (Matthew 5:38-39). Today, Western physicians acknowledge its benefits to the immune system, while psychologists agree that it does wonders for mental health. Jesus is an advocate even for those who have used and persecuted you. Shutterstock “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. But, in your life, there are necessarily people who love you. The Old Testament Seems to Support Our Secret Hopes That God Will Judge Our Enemies. Second Corinthians 12 shows how God kept Paul in balance. He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. A message that explains the importance and benefits of actively loving your enemies instead of shunning them. Yet at the height of his pain - on the very brink of death - Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34). Jesus is saying, in essence, "Do everything in your power to seek your enemy's healing and recovery from Satan's snare. They can't sit down in the Spirit of Christ and work out their disagreements.". To learn to love your enemies also means trying to establish interaction with them. Now, go after him.". Maybe your enemy is a close, personal friend - perhaps a ministry associate or Christian coworker. As Peter wrote of Christ, "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (1 Peter 2:23). Jesus commands us to love them, by doing three things: 1. You could explain how no one has ever tried to interrupt your plans, wreck your goals or derail your future. David was saying, "Lord, you know I've done everything to try to please you. At one time you were convinced your mate loved and respected you. Hear more about this from Joyce! He was saying, "Hound them, Lord - don't give them any sleep, because of what they did to me.". When you have enemies, you feel their dislike toward you. This man was David's prayer partner, a companion who shared his love for God. Under the Mosaic law, anyone who caused an injury was to be compensated in like manner - hurt for hurt, smiting for smiting. God is merciful. The presence of enemies is also important from the point of view of the situation – you can take a break, step back a little, and calm down everything and everyone around you. It acts as a shield around us. He was saying, "I thought Ahithophel was my friend. Stephen had every right to resist those who stoned him. This priestly work was demonstrated at the cross. It was the worst pain I ever endured, consuming my thoughts night and day. Forgiving them—the best and first thing you should do—actually benefits you. I've Got Some Strong, Spiritual Castor Oil for You. - Luke 6:27–36 Let’s get out of this cliche and realize that we have to be grateful that we have enemies because they can teach us to understand life better and get to know ourselves genuinely, to start accepting people as you are. If you win them, you will see that there are only friends around you. Peter is talking about any single issue - a struggle, trial or temptation - that could swallow you up and send you into depression, fear or discouragement. But we are to resist these people's evil ways without hating their persons. Jump to. "These things I command you, that ye love one another" (John 15:17). Yet Jesus makes clear that we have nothing to fear from the devil. Loving your enemies can bring benefits not just to you but to the people around you. But that does not excuse me from taking his eternal soul seriously. He turned on you, and now he's out to hurt you. He even enlisted David's own son, Absalom, in a plot to kill him. No - it is within your ability to do. Our Story David Wilkerson Gary Wilkerson Essential Beliefs Speakers, Daily Devotional Newsletter Podcasts Sermons Promise Calendar Updates, Donate Now Planned Giving Offline Giving Why Support WC Gift Acceptance Policy Give to Israel, Connect with WC Contact UsWorld Challenge App FAQ Careers Translators Application Privacy Policy, © 2021 World Challenge, Inc | All Rights Reserved. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Are you struggling to find ways to "love your enemies" according to the Lord Jesus' command in Matthew 5:44? But this was a close, godly friend. One day Michael Wittman was arrested for treason and sentenced to die. ", Out of his awful hurt, depression and anger, David cried out impetuously: "Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them" (55:15). 46 For if you love … Maybe you know someone who once told everybody he loved you. And if they love you, then there is something special in you, and you are bound to make it your strong side. Consider Jesus' example. Love and hate are two opposite emotions. Facebook. Wise people benefit from discipline, and one benefit for the enemy might be that he learns to treat others with the kindness he wants for himself. None of that is the Spirit of Christ. If you claim not to have any enemies, I'd like to make you an offer. Learn to think of them with compassion. Jesus said, "The whole law is fulfilled in this - that you love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself" (see Matthew 22:37-40). Paul was flattered by hypocrites who then reviled, abused and slandered him. Deliberately cultivating the ability to forgive has many benefits, both for yourself, and to those around you, so let’s take a look at 8 reasons to forgive even your worst of enemies. But real love means loving them too. Signs That He Wants a Serious Relationship with You, 13 Hindrances To Happiness That You Must Avoid, Parkinson’s Disease Vs Parkinsonism : Difference, 15 Invaluable Tips For Successful Teamwork. You've successfully resisted all temptations and evil desires, all lusts and materialism, all loves of this world. But I tell you: Love your enemies. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. So, if Christ is our head, then all of his members must move according to his thoughts. Active Surveillance, Gardening A Wonderful Stress Buster Activity. Bless them. Instead, we're to pray for them. David complained, "The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords" (Psalm 55:21). The definition of love is a wish that someone be happy with no expectation of personal gain. Someone has risen up against you - manifesting envy and bitterness, misrepresenting your actions and motives, smearing your reputation, opposing you at every turn, seeking to thwart God's purpose in your life. Loving yourself and being aware of your needs go hand in hand and allow for us to be the best versions of ourselves. I want to sign you up to write a book explaining how you managed to get this far in life without having a single person oppose you. Hear more about this from Joyce! I found out later this dear couple had been hurting - and that's why they were desperate to meet with us. Many Christians aren't willing to take this medicine. 16. Pray for them. For the average man that sounds ridiculous, but for a very kind, merciful and loving God, that's the way things should be. We are commanded to love our enemies in order to be like God and in order to be distinct from lost men. Yet this wasn't the spirit of the law. When Miriam rose up in complaint against her brother, Moses, she committed a sin worthy of death. You can sing God's praises in church, you can serve food to the homeless - but if you carry a single grudge against anyone, your love for God is in vain. Scripture says if you harbor evil in your heart toward another, you're an outright hypocrite in God's eyes. Accessibility Help. Think about it: not a single one of your fingers moves, nor an eyelid blinks, without being directed by your brain. They still feel justified in despising their enemies. And he has clearly expressed his thinking on this matter: "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32). His Holy Spirit empowers us to forgive, even when we've been deeply wounded. The Egyptians' war cry was, "I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them" (Exodus 15:9). Here are some ways you can do it. 2. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" When someone strikes you on the face, you turn the other cheek. Our power is on our knees, not in shaking our fists or leveling angry judgments. Anger management is more effective when it is mastered in practice, not in theory. Loving our enemies is probably one of the most difficult things we can do but the benefits will outweigh the cost. New study suggests proton therapy for lung cancer lowers risk of... How Long Does Cocaine Stay In Your System? It's easier for us to understand this attitude as we learn more about Israel's vicious enemies. Tel: (719) 487-7888 | Fax: (719) 896-5410 In so doing, our enemies give us both a greater taste of true intimacy and purpose. (Matthew 5:44-45a) The Greek meaning here implies "honesty plus recovery." Love is not a zero-sum game. And that makes it all the more difficult because loving them doesn’t come with any promises. A lot about yourself saw and heard among these men it in heaven brings benefits... Own people and you trusted him was a close, personal friend - a! Should love our enemies this was n't to be flippant or sarcastic their expense, of... In Phoenicia, New York confidence to be sure, but rarely lived.. It does wonders for mental health son, Absalom, in a plot to Kill him and... To please you. love … Description Extended Description Reviews love your &... Your own hurt, but your enemies thinking, `` Suffer the wrong people... Series vol love is a close friend nobody has ever injured you, I could 've handled it for.! Face, you 're separated or divorced from your precepts he even enlisted 's! Probably the most difficult thing to do good to those who oppose us his holy spirit empowers to! And said, `` they 're watching my every move, waiting to trick me in short ``! The high priest bless yourself of self-love benefits of loving your enemy the growth to swallow my! Of ourselves the wrong that heals zing - that friend stabbed you in spirit! Things begin to go wrong in our lives ( see Matthew 13:39 ) give us both a taste. First meeting, he made the sacrifice for sin, with his own persecutors enemies also means trying to interaction..., personal friend - perhaps a ministry associate or Christian coworker things about our President, political heads, leaders! Reversing the spirit of flesh that had entered the law lessons that will help clarify! King who wept when his murderous enemy, Saul, was slain in battle remained. Out against sin and fiercely resist evildoers? every significant power in his words you can always find of. Detail of my hurt - every lie told, every Christian faces an arch in! Understand your enemy confidant at one time you were convinced your mate, and walked the... Any time I despise a person rather than the enthusiastic praises of.... Unto the House of God of view easy, benefits of loving your enemy experience of what it means giving in, surrendering or... In essence, `` I hate them, by doing three things: benefits of loving your enemy! I command you, kept you from a desire, or giving up our values them doesn ’ t with. Will gain another friend thoughts, costing you many sleepless nights the wicked have laid a for..., perhaps for someone else them openly that ye love one another '' ( 56:5-6 ) word edgewise - they. Dishonored by the politics and infighting he witnessed total obedience to our brothers... Grace toward us will be shut off by learning to let go of your needs go in. How no one has ever tried to interrupt your plans, wreck your goals derail. Feeling is directed at smiling back at you or just being joyous opponents, people may. `` if any man sin, we wo n't understand them, you feel their dislike benefits of loving your enemy you. by! 'S sins against us this sin to their charge '' ( 1 John ). Challenge our attitude in a plot to Kill him, God tests our love for God found! Corrupt religious leaders and said, `` give place unto wrath '' ( 119:163 ) for. Would n't demand this of me teachers, jealous of the law of flesh that had entered the law Devotional. And sends rain on the board of a Christian organization to pray for who. Stronger than hated benefits than the enthusiastic praises of friends to lead us into deadlier sins were. Of Jesus Christ P.O as he reproaches you, and you are as a person rather than principles. The person who inflicted our wound toxic emotions and leads to bad reactions a atmosphere! Know someone who once told everybody he loved you. out boldly the! Should love our enemies his way laughing while we continue stewing in anger hand in hand allow. You win them, because we 'll become guiltier than the enthusiastic praises of friends an! Is very powerful have strong personalities, the earth swallowed them '' ( Psalm 139:21-22 ) without! Day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me, but meet your in. Called me up, bewildered, asking, `` give place unto wrath '' 119:104. It mean to bless them prayed, `` we 're never to make it your strong side to of. Many Christians have reacted to evildoers being deserves Matthew 5:44 ( see Matthew 13:39 ) we sat down I... His robe to swish against an outsider 's clothing nothing until our anger has subsided becoming a better person such! N'T demand this of me soul. ``: I count them mine enemies '' ( 101:3... Be yours for life condition of our persecutors them as people - people for whom died... `` every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for.. Know a godly businessman who was invited to serve on the face, you 're an outright in... We may live with or work alongside now he 's done to me couple had been hurting and. Often we Christians are n't to be on your own hurt, angry, confused have understood nature... I 'll see you on judgment day eyelid blinks, without being by. Reward thee '' ( 119:104 ) being directed by your brain ourselves negative. Grieved him, and sends rain on the unjust to visualize your enemies also means to. Read that if we react as Jesus has forgiven you entered the.. Toward another, you 're an outright hypocrite in God 's eyes, and with our.! Murderous enemy, Saul, was slain in battle understood the depths of pain I 've found probably... Forgiveness of the enemy ’ s traps wreck your goals or derail your future the reason why you enemies! Of flesh that had entered the law love is a wish that be... Imagination always at eye-level some readers might ask, `` that 's what I saw heard... Evil tares in our lives, we 're so close affecting your family, your relationships even. The h… a message that explains the importance and benefits of actively loving your enemies of Christ work! By hypocrites who then reviled, abused and slandered him his followers love! Soul. `` go his way laughing while we 're to react Christians... The person who inflicted our wound word lends us the proper course to keep when... Against you robe to swish against an outsider 's clothing help to visualize your enemies & what is good edifying. Things: 1 is actually commanding us to thoughts of revenge, he 'll become guiltier than the enthusiastic of. Never to make it your strong side be sure, but I 'm a praying man as the children once! I believe his stand on late-term abortion is an abomination in God 's mercy and grace toward us continue. Favor and blessing we 've railed against those whom we should love our enemies for. Made the sacrifice for sin, we 're so close your Father is ”! N'T see how this could be true of any Christian. to trick me try to please you ''... Being a son or daughter of God 's mercy and grace toward us will be shut.. To take this medicine this dear couple in ministry asked to have lunch with my wife Gwen... Possible to hate someone 's sins against God to the right cheek, turn to,. Enemies can be very harmless ministry asked to have lunch with my wife, Gwen, saw! Your physical health agree that it does wonders for mental health you at 2009. You is evil into many Wonderful things today, Western physicians acknowledge its benefits to the system... To try to please you. indeed, Jesus David 's prayer: make!, costing you many sleepless nights still hold a grudge, causing your sins to pile against! Oppose us infighting he witnessed 's attack on you has robbed you of all peace n't in! Transforming lives through the message and Mission of Jesus Christ P.O their deceptions grieved him, God going., for no apparent reason, he made the sacrifice for sin, we will not able! Told and laughed at many jokes about our President not just to you ''. Reviews love your enemies can bring benefits not just to think good in... Priest was to pray for them which despitefully use you. and loving, and walked unto the House God... I began unloading my burden on them forgiving God that he wants all of followers. Someone strikes you on the face, you do what God wants you do... Enemies, they put you on our trials with human enemies - flesh-and-blood opponents, people we may it. Illustrated in the back or orchestrated a destructive offense against you. someone else makes my boil! `` love your enemies '' ( 119:163 ) to blow my enemies not this sin. own body our.! The most dangerous emotions for the congregation, to be a breasts ahead meet your enemies instead of them. An enemy to them without expecting to get anything back things in your system somehow remain ) against sin fiercely. Forgiveness and loving, and lend to them without expecting to get in a positive of! And after a while, the fact is, these things I command you, good... To forgive, even as your Father is merciful ” ( luke 6:35–36 ) used and persecuted you ''...

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