A
Loving your enemies
- Thread starter JFSurvivor
- Start date
-
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.
B
blueorchidjd
Guest
Just a point of reference, no where to my knowledge does the bible paint Mary Magdalene as a prostitute. Chapter and verse?
I personally don't believe Jesus chose evil people as his disciples. None were perfect, but that doesn't equate to being evil.
I love this topic. I can't speak for anyone else, but myself. When I figured out what God meant by "love your enemies" was when I learned about FORGIVENESS. See, I thought it was all about the other person. Giving them freedom from what I thought was their well-earned punishment. What I didn't know at the time is that it was also about MY freedom. Freedom for the hurt, the pain, the fear, the self-hate.........all of those emotions that came about from the instance I'm referring to. It's a little hard to give context here without repeated a story I've already posted. For those who are interested in reading the story I'm referring to, I'll post a link at the bottom of my post.
But, my point is that loving your enemy is about taking God's love and passing it on to them. I tried and tried to do that. Honestly, I did. And it took me years to figure out that I didn't have the ability, in my human flesh, to love that person or to forgive them either.
It all started for me when I read a quote that said, "Hatred is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die." I realized that is exactly what I'd been doing. So, I started praying, "Lord, I cannot love this person the way You have asked me to. Please love them through me. Please forgive them through me." I prayed that prayer for over a year. One day, I woke up and realized that all of those negative emotions no longer ruled my life. That I could talk about this person without the ANGER welling up inside of me, and that I was FREE! I hope this is on topic and helps.
The link as promised http://christianchat.com/miscellaneous/113277-those-who-look-down-teen-moms.html
But, my point is that loving your enemy is about taking God's love and passing it on to them. I tried and tried to do that. Honestly, I did. And it took me years to figure out that I didn't have the ability, in my human flesh, to love that person or to forgive them either.
It all started for me when I read a quote that said, "Hatred is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die." I realized that is exactly what I'd been doing. So, I started praying, "Lord, I cannot love this person the way You have asked me to. Please love them through me. Please forgive them through me." I prayed that prayer for over a year. One day, I woke up and realized that all of those negative emotions no longer ruled my life. That I could talk about this person without the ANGER welling up inside of me, and that I was FREE! I hope this is on topic and helps.
The link as promised http://christianchat.com/miscellaneous/113277-those-who-look-down-teen-moms.html
Can you hate a tree for crushing your car in a storm?
The gospel in part is saying we are all blind, we live by our desires and own understanding and this just leads to pain and death. Now however the people around you are driven, it is as a consequence of their hearts and lostness.
Jesus accepted death, while preaching love and hope, with the power to defend himself, yet he let things go, to show how much He loved us all, and to give us a way out, not of struggling to gain what we cannot keep but to gain what we cannot loose.
What helped me love my enemy, was when I realised how we are victims of who we are, not nice people who choose to be nasty, but lost souls awash with dispair, loneliness and bitterness who put to the world as nice picture, but are eaten up with the confusion within.
The gospel in part is saying we are all blind, we live by our desires and own understanding and this just leads to pain and death. Now however the people around you are driven, it is as a consequence of their hearts and lostness.
Jesus accepted death, while preaching love and hope, with the power to defend himself, yet he let things go, to show how much He loved us all, and to give us a way out, not of struggling to gain what we cannot keep but to gain what we cannot loose.
What helped me love my enemy, was when I realised how we are victims of who we are, not nice people who choose to be nasty, but lost souls awash with dispair, loneliness and bitterness who put to the world as nice picture, but are eaten up with the confusion within.
When someone is firing arrows at you, is it smart to put up your shield or fire arrows back if you love them? Does one have to see the arrows of fire if they are behind their shield of protection? My God is my source of protection and refuge. I will hide behind Him and seek those things which are good, right, and pleasing in His sight. Suffering for the call of Christ is a part of that call. But it is God who chooses which battles we are to suffer for. For we cannot do anything against God's ultimate good purpose and plan. Sometimes a soldeir has to bandage his wounds before going out to fight again the good fight. But we fight back because we love. For we are to love all people and be a light unto them (Letting the light of Christ shine thru us).
Last edited:
S
Sirk
Guest
You accuse falsely. Nowhere do I claim that I am anything in and of myself. God alone has all glory, honor, and power.
Besides, Pauls garments could heal. Not that it was the power of Paul or the clothing in and of itself mind you. Why do you think his garments could heal? Was it because Paul lived in sin thinking he was saved?
Besides, Pauls garments could heal. Not that it was the power of Paul or the clothing in and of itself mind you. Why do you think his garments could heal? Was it because Paul lived in sin thinking he was saved?
Last edited:
S
Sirk
Guest
again,what does that have to do with the Golden Rule?? I am asking you a simple question: yes or no to it? do you not believe that you should treat others as you want to be treated??
In other words, whether one sins a lot or a little, it is still a license to sin.
in what manner?? speak the truth in love, or beat over the head with Bible?? you get warned every day, by the way, and ignore it.
Where did I not speak the truth in love? I merely quote Scripture and tell people sin and evil is wrong. I don't strive to attack people personally. You also do know my heart and thoughts towards people to say that I am not being loving when I do quote Scripture and speak against sin or a wrong belief.
Last edited: