Loving Your Enemies
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Introduction

The concept of loving one's enemies is a central tenet of Christian ethics and is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This principle challenges believers to transcend natural inclinations of retaliation and animosity, promoting a radical form of love that reflects the character of God. The directive to love one's enemies is primarily found in the New Testament, where it is presented as a hallmark of true discipleship.

Biblical Foundation

The most explicit command to love one's enemies is found in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus instructs His followers: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This teaching is revolutionary, as it contrasts with the prevailing cultural norms of retribution and justice. Jesus further elaborates that loving one's enemies is a reflection of God's perfect love, which extends to both the righteous and the unrighteous: "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45).

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus reiterates this command, emphasizing the reward and divine likeness that comes from loving those who are hostile: "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).

Theological Implications

Loving one's enemies is not merely an ethical guideline but a profound theological statement about the nature of God and His kingdom. It underscores the transformative power of divine love, which seeks reconciliation and redemption rather than vengeance. This command challenges believers to embody the grace and mercy that God extends to humanity, reflecting His character in their interactions with others.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his epistle to the Romans, where he writes: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:17-18). Paul further instructs believers to overcome evil with good, reinforcing the idea that love is a powerful force for change and healing: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).

Practical Application

The call to love one's enemies is a practical outworking of the Christian faith, requiring intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It involves a conscious decision to forgive, bless, and pray for those who oppose or harm us. This love is not based on emotions or feelings but is an act of the will, rooted in obedience to Christ's command.

Believers are encouraged to seek opportunities to demonstrate love to their enemies through acts of kindness, service, and intercession. By doing so, they bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the reality of God's kingdom on earth.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the historical context of Jesus' ministry, the command to love one's enemies was countercultural. The Jewish people lived under Roman occupation, and the prevailing sentiment was one of resistance and hostility towards their oppressors. Jesus' teaching challenged His followers to adopt a radically different posture, one that prioritized love and forgiveness over hatred and revenge.

This teaching also stood in contrast to the lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which was a common principle in ancient legal systems. By advocating for love and forgiveness, Jesus introduced a new paradigm that transcended legalistic righteousness and pointed towards a higher moral standard.

Conclusion

The command to love one's enemies remains a defining characteristic of Christian discipleship, calling believers to reflect the love and grace of God in their relationships with others. Through this radical love, Christians are invited to participate in the redemptive work of God, bringing healing and reconciliation to a broken world.
Topical Bible Verses
Luke 6:27
But I say to you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 5:44
But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you;
Topicalbible.org

Luke 6:35
But love you your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Of Loving Our Enemies.
... Chapter XIV."Of Loving Our Enemies. ... name of the Lord may be glorified, and be apparent
in their joy." [665] And the Gospel says: "Love your enemies, and pray ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xiv of loving our enemies.htm

The Precept of Loving One's Enemies it is as Much Taught in the ...
... Chapter XVI."The Precept of Loving One's Enemies It is as Much Taught in the ... the
ears of those who lend them to you" [4035] ), "Love your enemies, and bless ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvi the precept of loving.htm

Marks of Having Received the Holy Ghost
... them that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for them that
despitefully use you and persecute you." And this duty of loving your enemies is ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/marks of having received the.htm

A New Age and New Standards
... What is the difference between the non-resistance which Jesus proposed, and cowardice?
Is there such a thing in fact as loving your enemies? Study for the Week. ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter vi a new age.htm

Love Thine Enemy.
... eye for the true vision of another's claims can only go with the loving heart. ... even
as your father which is in heaven is perfect." "Love your enemies, and ye ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/love thine enemy.htm

The Greatest of all Alms is to Forgive Our Debtors and to Love Our ...
... This is to obey the command of God: "Love your enemies, do good to them that hate
you ... is fulfilled if a man, though he has not yet attained to loving his enemy ...
/.../augustine/the enchiridion/chapter 73 the greatest of all.htm

Whether Charity Requires that we Should Love Our Enemies?
... On the contrary, Our Lord said (Mat.4:44): "Love your enemies.". ... sense charity requires
that we should love our enemies, namely, that in loving God and our ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether charity requires that we.htm

The Seventh Chapter: Loving Jesus Above all Things
... THE INTERIOR LIFE The Seventh Chapter: Loving Jesus Above All ... yourself, you will
find yourself"to your own ruin ... the whole world and all his enemies could ever ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the seventh chapter loving jesus.htm

God's Attribute of Goodness Considered as Rational Marcion's God ...
... on the principle that we are bidden to love even our enemies, such as ... of loving a
stranger or enemy is preceded by the precept of your loving your neighbour as ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxiii gods attribute of goodness.htm

Letter ccxix. To the Clergy of Samosata.
... Especially in His dispensation concerning you has He shown His loving-kindness,
not suffering such a persecution to be brought on you by your enemies as might ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxix to the clergy.htm

Resources
What does it mean to love God? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to love Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament law? | GotQuestions.org

Loving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Loving

Loving a Married Man

Loving God

Loving Men

Loving My Family

Loving One Another

Loving Other Gods

Loving Thy Neighbor

Loving Unconditionally

Loving Your Body

Loving Your Brother and Sister

Loving Your Enemies

Loving Your Enemy

Loving Your Neighbor

Loving Your Wife

Loving Yourself

Related Terms

Loving-kindnesses (8 Occurrences)

Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences)

Peace-loving (2 Occurrences)

Pleasure-loving (1 Occurrence)

Unfailing (29 Occurrences)

Kindnesses (11 Occurrences)

Endures (75 Occurrences)

Abounding (28 Occurrences)

Steadfast (194 Occurrences)

Wondrous (41 Occurrences)

Mercies (62 Occurrences)

Shewn (46 Occurrences)

Slow (43 Occurrences)

Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences)

Iddo (14 Occurrences)

Forevermore (27 Occurrences)

Fond (6 Occurrences)

Reaches (26 Occurrences)

Skies (36 Occurrences)

Showing (41 Occurrences)

Evermore (44 Occurrences)

Sang (28 Occurrences)

Merciful (53 Occurrences)

Wonderful (71 Occurrences)

Revive (31 Occurrences)

Tender (66 Occurrences)

Preserve (61 Occurrences)

Saving (37 Occurrences)

Dove (27 Occurrences)

Abundant (124 Occurrences)

Rebellion (51 Occurrences)

Goodness (83 Occurrences)

Kindness (295 Occurrences)

Commands (216 Occurrences)

Gracious (106 Occurrences)

Awesome (47 Occurrences)

Shown (131 Occurrences)

Victories (5 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Unpunished (24 Occurrences)

Uprightness (46 Occurrences)

Lovely (19 Occurrences)

Wondrously (6 Occurrences)

Forgiving (11 Occurrences)

Triumphs (5 Occurrences)

Trusts (35 Occurrences)

Relents (2 Occurrences)

Deliverances (8 Occurrences)

Debate (13 Occurrences)

Sing (147 Occurrences)

Morn (8 Occurrences)

Confide (31 Occurrences)

Contemplation (11 Occurrences)

Children's (28 Occurrences)

Compassionate (22 Occurrences)

Confideth (11 Occurrences)

Solace (2 Occurrences)

Shows (42 Occurrences)

Sinful (61 Occurrences)

Satisfy (32 Occurrences)

Protect (32 Occurrences)

Praised (101 Occurrences)

Marvelous (30 Occurrences)

Withdrawn (28 Occurrences)

Thousands (65 Occurrences)

Keeping (282 Occurrences)

Disobedience (49 Occurrences)

Pity (165 Occurrences)

Extended (40 Occurrences)

Thanks (151 Occurrences)

Praises (66 Occurrences)

Deserted (54 Occurrences)

Hating (95 Occurrences)

Praising (35 Occurrences)

Reserved (28 Occurrences)

Obedience (61 Occurrences)

Trinity

Choirmaster (55 Occurrences)

Transgressions (64 Occurrences)

Loving Your Brother and Sister
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