Loving your enemy

Earlier this week, one of my students posed this question:

"On todays lesson, how would we have people we call enemies if we always love, never hate?"

This is a great question and I thought I would spend a few minutes responding. First of all, here is how the dictionary defines enemy: "A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something." So based on that definition, an enemy would be someone who is opposed to or hostile towards you. So we would call them enemies, regardless of how we treat them.

But, let me get to the heart of the issue that may or may not be behind this particular question. I will begin by sharing a portion of the passage that was central to our conversation in class, Romans 12:17-21:

¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

No matter how much we love people, some will continue to choose to hate us. We may always love others, but that doesn't mean they have to return the favor. I believe this is what Paul is trying to say in the above passage. As much as we are able to, we should seek to live at peace with others. We should even extend love towards them regardless of their response.

But even if we could always show love - which, at least in my life is more of a goal than a reality - there will be times when people don't show love back. But God's desire is pretty clear. Regardless of whether others treat you as a friend or an enemy, show them love and grant them peace.

To be honest, this can be difficult. I don't want to treat someone kindly when they are rude to me. I don't want to show love when someone displays hatred towards me. I don't want to extend peace to someone who is waging war with me. But this is the path we choose when we follow Christ. It isn't always the easy road, but it is the way that leads to the abundant life.

At the end of the day, we may always have enemies, but we don't always have to be an enemy.

shine!
Jason