Love Your Enemies.

Discipleship and Mission

Spread the Gospel

Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) 

Called to a New Life in Christ

Romans 12:16-21 The Message

14-16 Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.
17-19 Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”
20-21 Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

For Reflection

Humility and love of one's enemies are perhaps the most difficult spiritual skills to put into practice.  Yet we are told that these acts are essential to living an authentic Christian life.  Jesus tells us to love our enemies.  It is not possible to show your love for God by hating those who seem to be your enemies or for that matter God's enemies.  Even if  they are God's enemies, God still loves them and invites them to sit at God's table.  One cannot be united with God unless one loves one's enemies.  That goes for those whom you may demonize as Church haters, atheists, or evil people. 

Pray

Pray so that you will be able to love your enemies.  Pray so that you can humble yourself and see the good in the bad.