Loving Your Enemies

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

newton3003

Senior Member
Feb 4, 2017
437
42
28
#1
In Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus says “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you,Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..” The part about loving your neighbor is cited in Leviticus 19:18, while it is said that the part about hating your enemies is what Jesus heard the Pharisees preach. Nowhere in the Old Testament does it say to hate your enemy.


What the Pharisees preached in this regard, therefore, is something they made up. This and other things rightfully justifies Jesus assertion that the Pharisees did not abide only by the words of the Law, they formulated things that the Law doesn't even address. Jesus in his preaching was true to the Old Law.


It is ironic, then, that some who think they are Christians are abiding by what the Pharisees, the very group that Jesus inferred should not be listened to, said to do in hating their enemies. You may have seen or heard of these people. They wear crosses on their necks while spewing their hatred of people of other races and religions and from other places. And yet, these people want us to believe that they are followers of Jesus! They call themselves Christians!


Truly, who is the enemy? Under God, it is those who lean to evil. Is it evil to be of another race? Is it evil to worship the God of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob differently from we who call ourselves Christians do? Is it evil for anyone who worships the one true God in places like a mosque? The Bible gives us a choice on how we may love God. We can either abide by the Old Testament and therefore be cursed to following every letter of the Law given to Moses, or we can abide by the two great commandments of Jesus. Those who worship in synagogues and mosques have chosen the former, and I am not talking about those in Mosques who use the Koran to justify their own hatred of everyone else. The fact is, there is nothing in the Koran that is of any significant difference than what you would find in the Old Testament.


So where in the Bible does it say to hate your enemy, other than what the Bible refers to the Pharisees as saying? On the contrary, the Bible says that to the extent that we can, we should overcome the enemy with things that are good, and leave it to God to deal with your enemies. Romans 12:17-18 says, “Repay no one evil for evil,but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”


How are we to deal with the enemy who are out to destroy us? We leave it up to God to deal with them. Romans 12:19 says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” Indeed,it so says in Deuteronomy 32:35, “Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.”


Does that mean that we stand around, waiting for the Lord to exact His vengeance? Does that mean that we do not defend ourselves against someone who invades our household and threatens physical harm to us and our loved ones? Does that mean that those whom we trust to govern us, should put their head in the sand as enemies may invade us? On the contrary, I tell you that it is one thing to not hate your enemy,but it is another to defend yourself if such enemy threatens physical harm. Addressing the former, 1 Timothy 5:8 says “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”We therefore have a responsibility to protect our households. To the latter, we should only be governed by those with God in mind, for the authority of a government that reflects our righteousness comes from God. God's vengeance, therefore, is to be exacted by our government.God's vengeance comes after the enemy has fatally struck, getting around the defenses that we as individuals put up against the physical threat of our enemies.


And,to the extent possible, how are we to treat our enemy? Romans 12:20-21 says, “...if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”


Our enemies are those that uphold evil. So in that regard, between those who hate others because of their race or the way they worship the one true God, or where they are from, and those that are hated for such, who is REALLY the enemy to us?
 

Joidevivre

Senior Member
Jul 15, 2014
3,838
271
83
#2
Matt. 10:36 A man's enemies will be the members of his own household.

That is where most of my battles have been where I have had to forgive. Some have hurt and abused me, and in the family structure is where forgiveness is most exercised and strengthened. I often think God uses the family - husbands, parents, children, etc. to help us develop the fruits of forgiveness, endurance, long suffering, agape love, and kindness.

When I am called to forgive, I look at it as extending mercy to the one who probably needs it the most. After all, Jesus extended mercy to me when I did not deserve it.

And when Jesus said to "Bless those who persecute you", the actual root of the word bless is to speak well of them. So, my first action of blessing them is to give thanks to God for them and name all their attributes (even though there might be only 3). Just this one act releases me from bitterness.

Then, if led to do so, I let them know what I'm thankful for.
 
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#3
Forgiveness is a Branch of Love - hate will not dwell in a true Christian's heart -
but, we are not required to care for or abide with those that choose to hate and blasphemy
Jesus Christ our Saviour, those who willingly choose to serve the devious one who
continually hates/mocks/his Holy Creator...
 

Dan58

Senior Member
Nov 13, 2013
1,991
337
83
#4
"Love your enemies", doesn't necessarily mean to willfully suffer their abuse. Sometimes it means to exercise some tough love, just as God disciplines those He loves (Proverbs 3:12 & Hebrews 12:6). If a child is bad, you correct them, that's demonstrating love. "Pray for your enemies", doesn't necessarily mean to request blessings for them either, but rather putting your enemies fate in God's hand. He can turn them around better than we can... jmo
 

unobtrusive

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2017
916
25
18
#5
Matt. 10:36 A man's enemies will be the members of his own household.

That is where most of my battles have been where I have had to forgive. Some have hurt and abused me, and in the family structure is where forgiveness is most exercised and strengthened. I often think God uses the family - husbands, parents, children, etc. to help us develop the fruits of forgiveness, endurance, long suffering, agape love, and kindness.

When I am called to forgive, I look at it as extending mercy to the one who probably needs it the most. After all, Jesus extended mercy to me when I did not deserve it.

And when Jesus said to "Bless those who persecute you", the actual root of the word bless is to speak well of them. So, my first action of blessing them is to give thanks to God for them and name all their attributes (even though there might be only 3). Just this one act releases me from bitterness.

Then, if led to do so, I let them know what I'm thankful for.
Loving your enemies is letting them know where they are messing up.
Loving your enemies is telling them to attribute to the Word of God.
Loving your enemies is teaching them the way into the Kingdom of God.
If they repent and truly change their ways, the forgiveness is absolute.
If they refuse, then their blood is not on your hands. If you do not do this, then you will be accountable for their demise.
Love your friends in the same way.


Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. (Luke 17:3)

Two rhetorical questions...
Will we be forgiven without repentance? Can we forgive without repentance?

Think about the ramifications how we act toward others, and how they react toward us.
 

MarcR

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2015
5,486
183
63
#6
The love we are called to is ἀγαπᾶτε actively seek what is best for the one who is loved. How can we better obey this than to pray for the Salvation of our enemy; except to pray for an opportunity to lead them to Jesus.
 
Apr 15, 2017
2,867
653
113
#7
Love has different levels of showing,but the main thing is we want the best for people as the same as us regardless of how they conduct themselves on this earth.

If we want ourselves to be fed and clothed,then we should want all people to be fed and clothed.If we want salvation,then we should want all people to have salvation,and not say,go to hell as the world might say to those who conflict them.If we want a Ferrari,and a mansion,we should want that for all people,but since that cannot happen for the rich will heap and heap,then we do not get those things.

If everybody on earth was fed and clothed,would it matter if we had material things galore,and riches,and that is the reason it is bad because it neglects the poor and needy,for it does not matter who has the most in the material,and money department,as long as people have their needs taken care of on an equal level.

If Johnny has riches,and material things of great value,and play toys of all sorts,then too bad,too sad,for those who do not,but if all people's needs were taken care of nothing wavering,then that is what matters,and just.

But there will always be people in need,for those that seek riches in an arrogant fashion heap money in a ludicrous fashion,and it is never enough no matter how much they have,for they will not limit themselves to the status of rich,and can enjoy themselves for the rest of their life comfortably,but they heap money they will never use,and some far beyond what they will use,for the purpose of bragging rights,and look at me I am above you.

If they were the only person on earth they would not care what they got for there is no one to exalt themselves above.

So there will always be people in need,and because of that we do not get to enjoy the fine things in life,but must help them as a commandment,for if not the love of God does not dwell in us.

I was thinking that a lot of people want population reduction,and are they heaping money to themselves in a crazy way so there is less money for the poor,and they die off,which the Bible says that the last generation will devour the poor from off the earth,and the needy from among men,but they are probably doing it because of arrogance,but you never know.

Rom 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

We are to live peaceably with all people,as much as lies in us,which the Bible says if it be possible because some people we cannot live peaceably with,for even though we try on our part,they will not live peaceably with us,but that is not on us,but on them.

But live peaceably with all people as much as lies in you,for our love for people will be on different levels.

Some people we can say hello to them,but we do not want to shake their hand,or hug them.

And some we can shake their hand,but do not want to hug them.

And some we can hug them.

The ones that we cannot live peaceably with for it is on their part then we are not to retaliate against them.We might not even be able to say hello to them,for we know they do not want to hear it,and it is better to avoid them.

But regardless of our level of love we show we still have have the same care for them on an equal level,that we want them to prosper as much as we prosper,and want no harm to come to them,and let God deal with them,which He said,vengeance is mine,I will repay,so we cannot be hateful in thinking,wording,or doing.
 
Sep 5, 2011
109
5
18
#8
I don't have the means, nor have the right, to use all my money and resources on the destitute poor and homeless. I know there are people in third world countries who are starving to death, but I do not have a way of helping them. I could pray for them, but that's about all I can do. I'd like to donate to suffering storm victims in Puerto Rico, but I am not able too. Trump is full of money and lies, he goes and throws paper towels at them, like that will help!

I do love my enemies and pray for them. I got bullied as a child and teen. At the strict fundamentalist Christian protestant school I went to as a little child I was picked on some, the teachers were really strict and mean. They taught us about God, about a kind Jesus, but they did not treat us kind. Then I had bullies pick on me in public school, and in high school. I have forgiven, everyone, and I learned to love anyone considered an enemy. i wish i could do a lot for the poor, I'd like to, but i can't.
 

mcubed

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2013
1,449
218
63
#9
The Scripture tells us to hate what G-d hates. It does not ever say we have enemies. I hate false religions, I hate the false religions that want me because I am a Jew and the people of my country dead even more. But, every individual in these religions, my G-d paid for their salvation at the cross, He loves them individually and so do I.
We agree that there was a son of Abraham. But only the seed of one took away the sins of the world. Muslims, are your cousins. Even G-d did not allow Moses to go thru your territory because of Ismael. NO! We should NEVER HATE THEM but pray the blinder will be removed from their eyes and they will be saved!!! Like it has for so many!!! A Muslim is just as lost as an atheist, or an agnostic, or someone who believes in Hindu or Basidium. Many Muslims are like Christians, they go to synagogues on the Holy Days just like many Christians go to Churs on Easter and Christmas only.But the fact is they do want to kill us and to deny radical Islam is to deny the truth. No, we should not seek revenge on them because it is the Lord's. I cannot think of anything WORSE than ETERNITY IN HELL…. We need to PRAY ALL MUSLIMS EVEN THE RADICAL WILL BE SAVED TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Last edited:
Sep 3, 2016
6,337
527
113
#10
While we are to hate the sin, we are not to hate the sinner (John 3:16). Personal hatred is to be met by love (Gal. 5:22-23). We are to imitate our Heavenly Father. The scripture says, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7). Peace with God comes with Salvation, and all who proclaim such are called "peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9).

This is done by placing your Faith and maintaining your Faith exclusively in Who Jesus is and What Jesus has done at the Cross of Calvary. Because you are now glorifying Christ by walking in the Spirit, the Holy Spirit will do what is needed in the Believers life; "here a little - there a little, line upon line, percept upon precept." Only the Holy Spirit can mortify the deeds of the flesh of a Believer and put fruit on the many leaves in us so that the life of Jesus is manifested and seen by others.

If the Believers Faith is not placed exclusively and maintained in Christ and the Cross of Calvary where the victory was won daily, then the works of the flesh will manifest (hatred - Gal. 5:19-21).
 
Last edited:

Amberlight

Senior Member
Oct 8, 2016
187
7
18
#11
The Scripture tells us to hate what G-d hates. It does not ever say we have enemies. I hate false religions, I hate the false religions that want me because I am a Jew and the people of my country dead even more. But, every individual in these religions, my G-d paid for their salvation at the cross, He loves them individually and so do I.
We agree that there was a son of Abraham. But only the seed of one took away the sins of the world. Muslims, are your cousins. Even G-d did not allow Moses to go thru your territory because of Ismael. NO! We should NEVER HATE THEM but pray the blinder will be removed from their eyes and they will be saved!!! Like it has for so many!!! A Muslim is just as lost as an atheist, or an agnostic, or someone who believes in Hindu or Basidium. Many Muslims are like Christians, they go to synagogues on the Holy Days just like many Christians go to Churs on Easter and Christmas only.But the fact is they do want to kill us and to deny radical Islam is to deny the truth. No, we should not seek revenge on them because it is the Lord's. I cannot think of anything WORSE than ETERNITY IN HELL…. We need to PRAY ALL MUSLIMS EVEN THE RADICAL WILL BE SAVED TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your God ? when did you gain ownership ?
 
Sep 3, 2016
6,337
527
113
#12
While we are to hate the sin, we are not to hate the sinner (John 3:16). Personal hatred is to be met by love (Gal. 5:22-23). We are to imitate our Heavenly Father. The scripture says, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Matthew 5:7). Peace with God comes with Salvation, and all who proclaim such are called "peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9).

This is done by placing your Faith and maintaining your Faith exclusively in Who Jesus is and What Jesus has done at the Cross of Calvary. Because you are now glorifying Christ by walking in the Spirit, the Holy Spirit will do what is needed in the Believers life; "here a little - there a little, line upon line, percept upon precept." Only the Holy Spirit can mortify the deeds of the flesh of a Believer and put fruit on the many leaves in us so that the life of Jesus is manifested and seen by others.

If the Believers Faith is not placed exclusively and maintained in Christ and the Cross of Calvary where the victory was won daily, then the works of the flesh will manifest (hatred - Gal. 5:19-21).

You must not make an agreement with those people or with their gods. You must not let them live in your land, or they will make you sin against me. If you worship their gods, you will be caught in a trap.” Exodus 23:32-33 NCV

Don't confuse what love is
Jesus is, and was, and always will be the ultimate example of love. God is love. And yet that didn't stop the Lord from calling the Sadducees and the Pharisees what they were. He called them snakes, vipers, and two fold child of the Devil in the book of Matthew.

Beware of Antichrist Deceivers
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we[a] do not lose those things we worked for, but that we[b] may receive a full reward.

9 Whoever transgresses[c] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. 2 John 7:11 NKJV

What is the doctrine of Christ?
The virgin birth.
Lord Jesus Christ sinless life.
Lord Jesus Christ death at Calvary. To pay the debt of sin.
Lord Jesus Christ resurrection on the third day.
Lord Jesus Christ Ascension to the Father.
And through Lord Jesus Christ and only Him comes salvation.
 
Last edited:

Hizikyah

Senior Member
Aug 25, 2013
11,634
372
0
#15
Your God ? when did you gain ownership ?
You seem to have a lot of mocking comments being rather snarky, why? Truth and building up of the body is what we are supposed to do.

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Acts 20:28, "Therefore, be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the called out ones of YHWH, which Yahshua has purchased with His own blood."[/FONT]
 

Amberlight

Senior Member
Oct 8, 2016
187
7
18
#16
You seem to have a lot of mocking comments being rather snarky, why? Truth and building up of the body is what we are supposed to do.

Acts 20:28, "Therefore, be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the called out ones of YHWH, which Yahshua has purchased with His own blood."
I think it is best you keep your opinions to yourself.
 
J

joefizz

Guest
#17
Your God ? when did you gain ownership ?
You know what mcubed meant,many people say "my God" when referring to God almighty/God of Israel,even Jesus spoke in such a way of God,in an ownership seeming way,no need to get snippy.
 

Amberlight

Senior Member
Oct 8, 2016
187
7
18
#18
You know what mcubed meant,many people say "my God" when referring to God almighty/God of Israel,even Jesus spoke in such a way of God,in an ownership seeming way,no need to get snippy.
Do not seek arguments.

My question was genuine as i do not know him .
 

mcubed

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2013
1,449
218
63
#19
I think the question is who you worship .

Who is "your" God?

I only know one God and he is God of all.

I know the question every clearly, he was trying to get me in a argument and I want to know his position first. If one can not figure out who dies on the cross for our sin... well then....
 
Last edited:
J

joefizz

Guest
#20
I don't have the means, nor have the right, to use all my money and resources on the destitute poor and homeless. I know there are people in third world countries who are starving to death, but I do not have a way of helping them. I could pray for them, but that's about all I can do. I'd like to donate to suffering storm victims in Puerto Rico, but I am not able too. Trump is full of money and lies, he goes and throws paper towels at them, like that will help!

I do love my enemies and pray for them. I got bullied as a child and teen. At the strict fundamentalist Christian protestant school I went to as a little child I was picked on some, the teachers were really strict and mean. They taught us about God, about a kind Jesus, but they did not treat us kind. Then I had bullies pick on me in public school, and in high school. I have forgiven, everyone, and I learned to love anyone considered an enemy. i wish i could do a lot for the poor, I'd like to, but i can't.
Well sometimes praying is all one can do for others,it is just as valuable as money if not more so,don't worry too much God understands our circumstances,and appreciates what we can and will do,praying sounds like not much to some but it can make a difference!