Loving My Enemies

I keep an ongoing list of ideas I want to blog about that randomly pop into my head. Since the last time I posted, I have added 7 topics. It seemed like such a grand idea, but the problem with it is that when I don't actually write about them within a few days I look at the subject and it just seems ludicrous. I have no idea what I was thinking when it popped into my head and therefore have nothing to write. So, I took the most recent one from yesterday (because miracle of miracles, I can remember that far back) and here we go.

I have encountered some "enemies" of mine recently. Now, before getting into this too deeply, it's important to define enemy. It's such a strong word. I think the connotation we have from this word is someone who we hate or who intentionally tries to hurt us. To be honest, at the risk of sounding cliche, I don't think there is anyone who I hate. I also cannot think of someone who I believe wants to hurt me or is 'out to get me'.

Another definition of enemy will say an adversary or opponent. I think this could also be interpreted: obstacle. So, we could generalize it to mean something abstract such as time. But, for the sake of what I want to share, let's stick with enemy as being embodied in a person. This also is the way I understand it when we apply scripture (e.g. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those WHO persecute you. Matt. 5:44).


There are people who tend to somehow bring out the worst in me, simply by being around them. Maybe it's my fault or just a personality clash. What I realized, though, is that it isn't ok with me to be so affected by my environment. When my life is built on a Rock, I should be stable, steady and unshifting. I should have the ability to love unconditionally when, after all, Christ's love is in me. So, I brought this concern to my husband and I asked him how he thought we were supposed to learn to love people well. Not just the people in our lives who are easy to love, but those who are more difficult and challenging for us to love. We discussed it at length and agreed to fervently pray that God would give us divine and supernatural love for all of those He brings into our paths.


I began thinking about the people in my life who set good examples in this area, specifically Godly women. I am so blessed because pretty immediately, three names came to mind. First, there's my mom. If you know my mom well, you know she is the sweetest, most kind-hearted person. Sadly, she has had enemies in her life and people who have tried to hurt her. She has felt unavoidably hurt, but I have never seen her react with anger, wanting revenge or take action in any negative way against her enemies. What does she do instead? She prays. She prays for strength to stand for truth in a way that honors God and gives Him glory. She prays for those in her life who have intentionally hurt her and are difficult to love. Finally, she prays for wisdom to know if, when and how to handle situations with these people in her life. I am so blessed to have grown up with such a wonderful example. Is she perfect? No. But she loves people well, even when it's not easy.


Next, I thought about Jamie. She is a strong person and doesn't seem to be the type of person who can be easily hurt, nor the type to have enemies. What I have learned from being around her is that being cautious, slow to speak and slow to anger is wise. Not only does this protect her from falling into traps of enemies, but she is a strong advocate and continually seeking out how to protect others and teach them to protect themselves. She is quick to befriend people who need someone. She also knows scripture and understands well how to apply it to life. What an absolute rare jewel to be able to call friend.


Finally, I thought of Myra. She is one of the most loving people I know. She opens her home to people and opens her heart even more. I have never heard Myra speak negatively of anyone and I can't imagine that she ever has. It's just not the kind of speech that comes from her mouth. When I see her, I think there are so many qualities and Christ-like characteristics in her that I would love to learn how to develop in my own life".


Along with thinking of these three women and how much I can learn from them, God provided insight and divine revelation. It seems simple, but He opened my eyes to the truth and significance of it. I am getting all worked up over people who are difficult to love and how there will always be people like that in my life and God speaks softly to my Spirit, reminding me that I am difficult for Him to love. His love is everlasting and perfect and sustains me, but it's because He is holy, not because I make it easy. I am sinful and I was an enemy of God. But He loved me anyway and He saved me anyway. I know that learning to love others well is a lifelong process, but one that can be well spent seeking wisdom from the One who loves in perfection.


"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. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48