You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of
your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-45)
Is there any tougher commandment than to love our enemies? We are not to simply tolerate them or do kind things for them, but we are told to love them.
The first step to love our enemy is to pray for them. And when we pray for our enemies, we must also pray for our own negative attitude towards their behaviour. This can be a test on whether we apply our faith to our lives. Our hatred or pride may stand between our relationship with God.
It can be hard to love unlovable people. But let us try to remember that when we were yet a sinner, Christ died for us. That is good news for all sinners. But the joy we experience when we find that kind of love from God flowing out of our heart is even better news.
No matter what sin we have committed, we are never God’s enemy. We are his friends.
