How to Love Your Enemies
We live in a day and age filled with division. So many refuse to forgive or relate to those with whom they disagree. Instead of love and restoration, our world is defined by accusations, polarization, canceling, and hatred. The dilemma of real enemies continues to plague confuse us. How should we treat those who come against us? What should we do in these touchy situations? The command of Jesus is far different than the call of the world.
Luke 6:27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies” (ESV)
What does love look like? Jesus starts his command with the verb “love.” How is love seen and shown? Prioritizing the needs of others above our own. Quality time. Encouraging words. Affirming touch. Selfless service. Thoughtful gifts. Love is not merely an emotion or a thought, it is an intentional choice and action from the heart and mind.
What does hate look like? The world feeds hatred and encourages bitterness. How is that seen and built? Disappointment. Annoyance. Disagreement. Dislike. Resentment. Indignation. Plotting. Revenge. We must recognize our enemies’ strategies and avoid imitating their tactics.
Who are your enemies? Enemies are real and numerous in Satan, his demons, our world, and in our fallen and sinful flesh. Enemies can be recognized in their emotional and mental acts of hatred that are directed towards us. Sometimes their hatred can be easily seen in their facial expressions and body language, but hate can also be hidden or subtle. Other times the hate of our enemies’ words can be harsh and their actions can be avoidance, aggression, or abuse.
Luke 6:35–36 “But 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. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”
How are we to show love to our enemies? Do good to them. Bless them. Pray sincerely for their salvation, correction, and change. Be patient towards them. Give generously to them. Treat them the way you want to be treated. These actions are easier said than done, but we can do better. Jesus calls us to love those who are hardest to love. That doesn’t mean we should be a doormat for sexual or physical abuse (call law enforcement) or to be an enabler of evil. Let’s love our enemies the way God has sacrificially loved us through Jesus.
Luke 6:31 “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
How are you treating others? How can you do better? In the “golden rule” Jesus shows us how to love: treat others, in thought, feelings, words, & actions, the way we would want to be treated. We must know and remember that Jesus has been kind to us, even when we acted as enemies towards Him. Our patience and mercy is a reflection and overflow of the patience and mercy that He has shown us.
2 Thessalonians 3:13–15 “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
Have you forgiven your enemies? Forgiveness is not easy, but it is key to how we love our enemies. Our forgiveness may not always be received and it does not mean there will be a complete relief of the natural or relational consequences of sin. But entrusting our enemies to God’s justice, and being willing to grant forgiveness, will greatly benefit your mind, soul, and health. Let’s love and forgive just as God has loved and forgiven us in Christ.
Matthew 6:14–15 “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”