ENEMIES

Although we may not like to admit it from time to time we have all had “enemies”. We may even have an enemy at the present time. How should we treat our enemies? Should we seek revenge? Perhaps we have even considered just getting rid of them by shooting, or have someone shoot them [although I doubt that any Christian would have such a though], but it has happened with some cases. I would like to direct your thoughts as to how a Christian should view and what actions a Christian should pursue towards their enemies.

The most Christ like action is the action that Christians should pursue. What did Christ do about His enemies? He PRAYED for them: (Luke 23:34) "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." The context of this verse is from the crucifixion of Jesus. What an amazing turn of events this was. Can you even imagine how those who drove the nails, spat upon and ridiculed Jesus must have felt? I believe if our enemies know that we were praying for them their actions might be reversed, what do you think? Regardless of whether it would have any affect upon our enemies or not praying for our enemies is the right thing to do because we would be following the example of our Savior! Do you remember what Stephen did as he was being stoned to death? He followed the example of Jesus, he prayed for his enemies: (Acts 7:60) "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."

If you see the property of an enemy in danger or if you should find something lost that belongs to an enemy what should you do? An immediate thought might be to DESTROY it or hide it from your enemy. We have a commandment from the Bible as what the proper action should be: (Exo 23:4) "If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again." Not only are we to secure that which is lost we are to return it to our enemy. Doing this just might turn an enemy into a friend. Think how you would feel if an enemy returned something that belonged to you which you had misplaced and was very valuable to you? Of course you would thank your enemy and you would probably have a different opinion of such a person! We should always apply the “Golden Rule” by “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

The world teaches us to HATE our enemies, however, the teachings of Jesus are quite different: (Mat 5:44) "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" I admit this is a hard command to keep, nonetheless, it is a command from Jesus Himself. This is not something that I have made up; Jesus said it and He meant it. It is easy for us to love those who love us. Jesus loves us and gave Himself for us, we must follow His directions. Remember those who crucified Jesus, He loved them and He prayed for them, so don’t forget to pray for you enemies as well as love them.

All too often we attempt to make matters hard or difficult for our enemies rather than follow the instruction Paul wrote to the brethren at Rome: (Rom 12:20) "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." Is Paul not instructing them to help, aid and assist our enemies? Again the worldly would teach us differently. Paul was inspired to write these instruction or commandments; therefore, I ask “whose advice should you follow; Paul’s or that of the world? Here is a question that should be considered; “If I am really hungry, about to starve or thirst to death; what would my feelings be toward an enemy who gave me something to eat and drink”? Notice what else Paul wrote; he wrote that by feeding an enemy you “heap coals on his head. If you have coals on your head will you not rethink the situation? Yes, a simple matter of assisting an enemy could certainly change the way they think of you and how they treat you.

Enemies may come your way but they do NOT have to REMAIN an enemy. The difference might be how you react! If we follow the example of Jesus we will make FRIENDS not ENEMIES!!!!!