As written and presented by Mary Whelchel

PROGRAM D-6028

Do you have any enemies? Enemies are people who make your life uncomfortable, difficult, cause unnecessary hurt or discord, and are generally at odds against you in many ways, intentional or unintentional.

The 'Love Your Enemy' Principle

Here is a principle from Matthew 5 that gives us direct guidance on dealing with a relationship 'enemy.'

Matthew 5:43 - 45:
You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

What a revolutionary teaching this was. Never before had anyone taught such convoluted doctrine. It goes against all of our instincts to love our enemies. It demands an attitude that is foreign to our natures. It requires a denial of self which seems imminently unfair and all but impossible.

That's the way it often is with biblical principles. They go against our grain, but if you have some relationship 'enemies,' God will empower you to love them if you are willing. Remember, loving doesn't necessarily mean liking. This kind of love is an action, a set of our will, a decision to act in loving ways, even though our feelings may not be warm and fuzzy.

Can you remember a time when you were empowered by God's Spirit to love an enemy? Were you not more amazed than anyone else to discover that you had the power to love someone who was truly out to do you harm? Wasn't that an awesome feeling to realize that you did what you thought you never could do?

Proverbs 25:21-22:
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

In these two passages we learn three things about how we are to treat our enemies

1. We are to love our enemies.
2. We are to pray for our enemies.
3. We are to give our enemies what they need.

We aren't promised that our enemies will change, or that they will appreciate our loving attitude. But when we respond in loving ways toward people who make our lives difficult, we keep ourselves from sinning and we demonstrate the love of Jesus in very real ways.

In my Bible Study Improving Your Relationships you will learn how to apply biblical principles to your relationships between co-workers, family, friends and mates. Call the ministry at 1-800-292-1218 or click here to order your copy.

Click here to be a part of our financial support team and make a donation on our secure website.