Many Christians aren't willing to take this medicine. We see this command illustrated in the duties of the high priest. After all, they've done to me what the Egyptians did to Israel. Maybe your enemy is a close, personal friend - perhaps a ministry associate or Christian coworker. That's when it dawned on me - I'd done all the talking. When you love your enemies, you show that Jesus is the Lord of your life. Loving your enemies can bring benefits not just to you but to the people around you. Jesus is an advocate even for those who have used and persecuted you. Are you acting according to Christ's wisdom? You may not have understood the nature of the conflict, and your rival will help you clarify the whole picture. Even churches rose up against him. The ancient Hindu treatises Vedas say that man has only six enemies in this world: lust, anger, jealousy, selfishness, arrogance, and illusion. Moreover, we bring glory to our heavenly father whenever we overlook hurts and forgive the sins done to us. But this was a close, godly friend. Pueblo, CO 81008 In cultivating compassion, it may help to visualize your enemies as the children they once were (and somehow remain). LOVE OF ENEMIES. 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. People from across the spectrum opposed Paul - evil politicians, entire societies, Roman sodomites who hated him for standing against their homosexual practices. Without enemies, we will not be able to get the lessons that will make us better. Now, go after him.". "I hate every false way" (119:104). 46 For if you love … 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. I'm on my knees always. So, if he is interceding for their souls, how can you remain an enemy to them? Or do you still hold a grudge, causing your sins to pile up against you? The definition of love is a wish that someone be happy with no expectation of personal gain. “Love your enemy” is building caring communities that are inclusive, friend and foe alike are embraced with care, with the genuine hope that with such … This person's attack on you has robbed you of all peace. Paul writes, "Give place unto wrath" (Romans 12:19). And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? Loving your enemy But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. But, like the castor oil I had to swallow in my youth, it's medicine that heals. Anger management is more effective when it is mastered in practice, not in theory. “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. I can already hear some Christians saying, "That's what I want God to do to my enemies. In our awful hurt and depression, we cry out self-righteously against our enemies, "Lord, don't let them live another day.". Jesus promised, "Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained" (John 20:23). It grieved his heart, and he begged God for her healing: "Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee" (Numbers 12:13). But the Lord commands us to love them as people - people for whom Jesus died. Yet Jesus makes clear that we have nothing to fear from the devil. Luke 6: 27-28 Why love your enemies & What is In It For You #1 You Bless Yourself. No matter what I did, nothing changed his attitude. Jesus is saying, "If you'll remit that sin against you, I'll remit it in heaven. (Matthew 5:44-45a) David moaned, "They're watching my every move, waiting to trick me. "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. Yet at the height of his pain - on the very brink of death - Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34). In The Grace of Giving, Stephen Olford tells of a Baptist pastor during the American Revolution, Peter Miller, who lived in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and enjoyed the friendship of George Washington.In Ephrata also lived Michael Wittman, an evil-minded sort who did all he could to oppose and humiliate the pastor. He despised me. So I've got clear biblical grounds to ask God to blow my enemies away.". You can start slow by doing these things: We can hate the immoral actions of those in government. Yet you can't believe the venom he spews about you to others - lies, hurtful words, manipulations. Pray for those who have … 7. Such duels give birth to the right motivation to be better. Let's review our lives in light of these three things, to see if we're being obedient to Christ, our head: 1. Get a life in the Spirit." —Matthew 5:44, 46. He testified, "As for me, I will call upon God...evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray" (55:16-17). How are we to react to Christians who've made themselves our enemies? 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). It was the worst pain I ever endured, consuming my thoughts night and day. To learn to love your enemies also means trying to establish interaction with them. In one instance, David's enemy was a close friend, one of God's own people. So, if Christ is our head, then all of his members must move according to his thoughts. We'll become guiltier than the person who inflicted our wound. David was hurt deeply by this friend, someone to whom he'd unburdened his soul. Enemies Keep Us Balanced When we think we have achieved greatness, enemies humble us. Being yourself as completely as you can, moment after moment, builds the strength to keep going when it's hard. At his first meeting, he was shocked by the politics and infighting he witnessed. 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. When Miriam rose up in complaint against her brother, Moses, she committed a sin worthy of death. And he'll go his way laughing while we continue stewing in anger. The enemy will not flatter you. 4. 3. The criticism of the enemy brings more benefits than the enthusiastic praises of friends. He called me up, bewildered, asking, "Is it this way in every ministry? We're not just to think good things about our enemies, but to speak them openly. When you love your enemies, you do what God wants you to do. Loving those who've wounded us is not an option, but a command. Knowing that you have spirits does not mean that you can not focus on the important, truly good things in your life. Whenever I had the chance, I unburdened my heart to anyone who would listen. Love and hate are two opposite emotions. Description Extended Description Reviews Love your Enemies - Spiritual Life Series vol. He beseeched God, "Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly" (Psalm 6:10). To do so builds character in us. Recorded at the 2009 Tibet House US Retreat “Working With Your Enemies” at Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York. No. “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. David was saying, in essence, "If this had been some ordinary person, I could've handled it. You could tell how no one has ever injured you, kept you from a desire, or orchestrated a destructive offense against you. But then, zing - that friend stabbed you in the back. ", Christ's command here is very simple: "Make the first move. Now you see it affecting your family, your relationships, even your physical health. They can become your Ally. But, in your life, there are necessarily people who love you. To learn to love your enemies also means trying to establish interaction with them. You be the first to seek reconciliation. Loving who you are as a person can turn you into many wonderful things. He wrote: "I hate the work of them that turn aside" (Psalm 101:3). I believe Jesus' name has been dishonored by the way many Christians have reacted to evildoers. This is one of the most dangerous emotions for the body. God is merciful. Their deceptions grieved him, and he spoke out against their evil. He's made himself my enemy. We may feel it means giving in, surrendering, or giving up our values. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. He's my dearest friend. Christ is actually commanding us to envision the soul-damning condition of our persecutors. Finally, one of my favorite parts of self-love is the growth. Both the yoga and Buddhist teachings provide us with meditationsdesigned to free ourselves of negative emotions that interfere with our ability to love. He faced the combined evil of every significant power in his day - government officials, political heads, church leaders. 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 … 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. Lay it down and move on. There are vast differences between Christianity and other religions. Forgive them. Don't be mistaken - Paul hated these people's sin. You could describe how nobody has ever been jealous, envious or hostile toward you. One day Michael Wittman was arrested for treason and sentenced to die. Only Christ can do this, through his work at the cross. Transforming Lives Through the Message and Mission of Jesus Christ Do you understand your enemy – you win the war! Your enemies will make you see what needs to be changed in your life while your friends … Yet this wasn't the spirit of the law. We are commanded to love our enemies in order to be like God and in order to be distinct from lost men. Most disputes between people are due to the lack of understanding of the other’s position. And if they love you, then there is something special in you, and you are bound to make it your strong side. 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). ", The awful betrayal caused David to constantly look over his shoulder. Are you struggling to find ways to "love your enemies" according to the Lord Jesus' command in Matthew 5:44? "Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them" (15:12). "These things I command you, that ye love one another" (John 15:17). Enemies are the ones that will help you discover and measure your sense of anger and learn to master. Others accused him of mishandling money. Loving our enemies is probably one of the most difficult things we can do but the benefits will outweigh the cost. But that does not excuse me from taking his eternal soul seriously. But, suddenly, for no apparent reason, he turned on you. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company" (Psalm 55:12-14). For the average man that sounds ridiculous, but for a very kind, merciful and loving God, that's the way things should be. I'll forgive your enemy on your account. Your friends will not point out your faults, but your enemies will. Sections of this page. There is the ordinary happiness of food, Of course, every Christian faces an arch enemy in Satan. 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). He said, "Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. Or have you become your own head, independent of him? 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). Yet, instead, we often joke at their expense. Was Jesus contradicting the law here? Our power is on our knees, not in shaking our fists or leveling angry judgments. And, second, the priest was to pray for the congregation, to act as an intercessor on their behalf. The benefits of loving yourself are immeasurable, like you, to be sure, but here are five for today. Do not dispense compassion from above, but meet your enemies in your imagination always at eye-level. He turned on you, and now he's out to hurt you. In Matthew 5, Jesus teaches us that we are to love even our enemies. We say, "Love your enemies," but then go back to our bunker, maybe with a superficial smile, but without stopping to … Your book would surely be a bestseller. Enemies grant that service to us. They see it expressed in scripture, but they rarely abide by it. 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. I believe his stand on late-term abortion is an abomination in God's eyes, and it makes my blood boil. In fact, even as he reproaches you, you've remained friendly. "Do good to them that hate you." But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-48 ESV / 170 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful “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. "Bless them that curse you." Yet Moses didn't rejoice in Miriam's suffering. In so doing, our enemies give us both a greater taste of true intimacy and purpose. That will help you in the long run. Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. 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 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. 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). ", 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). This is easier said than done, though, so how do you learn to love your enemies? Yes, it does. And he' reproaching you - spewing out smooth talk, while behind your back he tries to destroy you. You know that what this person is doing to you is evil. If only I'd obeyed Jesus' command to bless my persecutors by speaking good of them, this couple might have received a blessing. 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. We can hate the sins of homosexuals, abortionists and all Christ despisers. (Matthew 5:45) Some readers might ask, "Do such things actually happen in the body of Christ? A hopefulness that opens doors. 3. Courage to continue. If this describes you, then you've already been devoured by an enemy - swallowed up by a trial brought on by your human adversary. Not at all. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Enemies keep us from getting comfortable with ourselves, and with our work. ", Yet, even as David said this, he portrayed himself as innocent. 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. Even when you feel besieged by negativity and hostility, you can always find a positive point of view. 1. Trans. You cry yourself to sleep, thinking, "I thought I knew him. When you have enemies, you feel their dislike toward you. And that was too much for me to bear.". 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). Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. I want to focus instead on our trials with human enemies - flesh-and-blood opponents, people we may live with or work alongside. Of course, no one can remit someone's sins against God. Scripture says if you harbor evil in your heart toward another, you're an outright hypocrite in God's eyes. None of that is the Spirit of Christ. Press alt + / to open this menu. 16. 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. Jesus also addressed the Old Testament law regarding hurts and injuries. 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. In the context of loving our enemies, our Lord Himself said: “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48, see verses 43-47). ... It’s much better to work it out—in such a way that everyone benefits. I have truly failed at this command. Send him to hell, fast." Here are some ways you can do it. A Jew wasn't to shake hands with a Gentile, or even allow his robe to swish against an outsider's clothing. God's Truth & Deliverance P.O. We have within us the power to resist any attempt by the devil to devour us. But we can remit those sins that have been committed against us. Facebook. Don't let him live out his days. Active Surveillance, Gardening A Wonderful Stress Buster Activity. Saul was a beautiful man of God." The power of love is universally recognized and has been used in ancient healing traditions in cultures throughout the world. I expect this kind of thing in business, but I'm discouraged by what I saw and heard among these men. Can turn you into many Wonderful things in one instance, David 's prayer partner, tooth. Will Judge our enemies, a tooth for a tooth for a for! Sins that have been committed against us you know that what this person attack... Things are what make someone your enemy – you win them, O,... 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