Love Your Enemies

A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. - Proverbs 15:18

There are several hot issues in society that have magnified our differences.  Someone with a different viewpoint or opinion on these hot issues is likely considered an enemy.  Attempting to discuss or debate them can create and has created heated altercations.  It is important to know how to conduct oneself in this situation.

Matthew 5:43-48 encourages us to love, bless, and pray for those who you consider an enemy.Loving, blessing, and praying for only those who do the same for you does not say much about you.It is not hard to do, it does not profit anything, and it is not God’s way.There are blessings that God makes available to the just and unjust alike.Don’t you want to be like Him?

Also, please consider that responding to your enemy in such a way can bring conflicts to an end.  If your enemy is the one with evil ways, a loving reaction can turn them around (Romans 12:21).  Acting with a cooler head can prevent contention. 

Exactly how to love, bless, or pray for your enemy can vary depending on the situation. You do not, necessarily, have to buy them some good ice cream or chocolate (although, if I were your enemy, that would likely change me). For example, it could mean providing for an enemy in their time of need. It could mean simply ignoring them when they are trying to start an argument. The wisdom of God should be applied to determine what to do in each situation.

It may be easier said than done, but make a decision to interact with adversaries in a godly manner.It does not make you weak.God is love.Love is the most powerful force. The one who chooses its way is the most powerful person.