The Radical Command to Love Our Enemies
The concept of loving one's enemies stands as one of the most profound and counter-cultural teachings within the Christian faith. It challenges the very core of human nature, which instinctively recoils from harm and seeks retribution for wrongs suffered. Yet, the Bible, particularly the words of Jesus Christ, unequivocally calls believers to embrace this radical form of love. It is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative that sets followers of Christ apart from the world.
In His seminal Sermon on the Mount, Jesus directly confronted the prevailing cultural norms and even misinterpretations of Old Testament law, which permitted the concept of "an eye for an eye." He elevated the standard to an unprecedented level:
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;
Luke's Gospel reiterates this command with similar intensity, adding further practical dimensions:
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
An "enemy" in this context is not merely someone we disagree with, but one who actively opposes, harms, or seeks to undermine us. This command extends beyond passive tolerance; it demands active benevolence and a heart attitude rooted in Christ's own example. It is a love that transcends personal feelings and is instead an act of the will, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The Divine Pattern: God's Love for His Enemies
The call to love our enemies is not an arbitrary command but a reflection of God's own character and His redemptive work. Before we were saved, we were all, in essence, enemies of God due to our sin and rebellion against His holy nature. Yet, it was in this state of alienation that God demonstrated His unparalleled love:
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
This verse profoundly illustrates that God did not wait for us to become His friends before extending His grace. He took the initiative to reconcile us to Himself through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate example of loving one's enemy – God loving humanity in its fallen state.
Jesus further elaborated on this divine pattern, urging His disciples to imitate their Heavenly Father:
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.
God's common grace extends to all, regardless of their righteousness or wickedness. He provides life-sustaining elements like sunshine and rain to both those who acknowledge Him and those who reject Him. When believers love their enemies, they are not merely performing a religious duty; they are participating in the very nature of God, demonstrating their spiritual lineage as His children. This love is a tangible sign of the transforming power of the Gospel in a believer's life.
Practical Expressions of Love for Enemies
Loving one's enemies is not a vague sentiment but a call to specific, actionable expressions. The Bible outlines practical ways to obey this command, moving beyond mere forgiveness to active, benevolent engagement:
It requires a conscious decision to uplift rather than tear down.Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
This "heaping coals of fire" is generally understood to mean either bringing about shame and conviction in the enemy, or melting their hardness through kindness. It's a powerful image of disarming hostility through unexpected goodness.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.
Instead of allowing evil to dictate our response and pull us down to its level, we are called to actively counter it with goodness, light, and love. This breaks the cycle of revenge and retaliation, allowing God's redemptive purposes to unfold.Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Purpose and Reward of Such Love
The command to love our enemies is not without purpose or reward. The Bible highlights several profound reasons why believers are called to this challenging yet deeply fulfilling path:
- To be children of God: As previously noted, loving our enemies demonstrates our spiritual identity.
Our actions mirror the character of our Heavenly Father, validating our claim to be His offspring.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.
- Great reward: While not always immediate or earthly, there is a promised "great reward" for those who obey this difficult command (Luke 6:35). This reward is spiritual and eternal, reflecting God's faithfulness to those who honor Him.
- Breaking the cycle of vengeance: Human nature often defaults to retaliation. However, the Bible explicitly instructs believers to relinquish personal vengeance:
By loving our enemies, we refuse to perpetuate the cycle of hatred and instead entrust justice to God, who judges righteously.Recompense to no man evil for evil... Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
- Demonstrates the power of the Gospel: When believers respond to hostility with love, it is a powerful testimony to the transforming power of Christ. It confounds the world's wisdom and points to a supernatural source of strength and grace. Such love can disarm enemies, open doors for reconciliation, and even lead to their conversion.
What Loving Your Enemies Is NOT
While the command to love our enemies is clear, it is crucial to understand what it does not entail. Misinterpretations can lead to unhealthy or unbiblical outcomes:
- It does not mean condoning sin or evil: Loving an enemy does not imply agreement with their sinful actions or beliefs. Believers are still called to hate evil and stand for righteousness. Love seeks the good of the other, which often includes their repentance and conformity to God's will.
- It does not mean abandoning justice: The Bible upholds the role of civil authorities to administer justice and punish wrongdoing (Romans 13:1-7). Loving our enemies does not negate the need for legal accountability or protection from harm, especially for the innocent. It's about personal response, not societal governance.
- It does not mean becoming a doormat or enabling abuse: Christian love is not foolish or self-destructive. Wisdom and discernment are always necessary. While we are to forgive and seek reconciliation, we are not called to remain in situations where we are continually being abused or exploited without seeking appropriate boundaries or help. Protecting oneself and others from harm is also a biblical principle.
- It is not primarily about feelings: While feelings may follow, the command to love is fundamentally an act of the will, an obedience to God's instruction, regardless of whether we "feel" affection for our enemy. It is a choice to act in their best interest, motivated by Christ's example and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion: A Call to Christ-like Love
The biblical call to love our enemies is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of Christian discipleship, yet it is also one of the most distinguishing marks of a true follower of Christ. It transcends human capacity and requires a supernatural enablement that only comes from God. It is a love that reflects the very heart of the Gospel – God's unmerited love for a rebellious humanity.
This divine command invites believers to participate in God's redemptive work, to break cycles of hatred, and to shine the light of Christ in a dark world. By blessing those who curse us, doing good to those who hate us, and praying for those who persecute us, we demonstrate that our citizenship is in heaven and our Father is truly God. It is a journey of faith, requiring humility, obedience, and a continual reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and empower us to love as Christ loved.
In a world increasingly characterized by division and animosity, the church is called to be a beacon of this radical, enemy-loving kindness. It is through such sacrificial love that the world will truly know that we are His disciples, and that God sent His Son not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.