Scripture

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemies. I say, love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.”

Observation

Jesus talks about how we treat our enemies.

Even though the law says, we may exact proportional revenge – an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth- we are not to resist an evil person. Do not hit back at a person who hits you.

In court, if you lose the case, give more than is demanded of you. Give to those who ask and don’t turn away those who want to borrow.

The law says we must love our neighbours, and some people interpret that to mean that we should hate our enemies. Jesus says that we must love our enemies. In this way, we will be like our heavenly Father. If we only love those who love us back, we are no better than pagans or corrupt tax collectors.

Application

The law of Moses says we must love our neighbour People being what they are, develop the thought that this means you could hate your enemies. Jesus says repeatedly that we must love our enemies. Everybody is our neighbour

This is hard and, really, it can only be done in the grace of God. So, when somebody treats us badly or gossips about us, we do not need to defend ourselves or seek revenge.

Jesus tells us to go on the front foot and pray for those who persecute us. That can be difficult too, but it is achievable. The interesting thing is that when I genuinely pray for my enemy, God changes my heart and makes it possible for me to love them.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you that even when I was opposed to you, you still loved me. Please give me that kind of love for my opponents. Amen.