Care For Enemies
Good Morning,
Our Lord taught His listeners much about the proper treatment of enemies. This basic Christian doctrine goes against our natural flesh, as well as against our own system of justice, but it is the clear teaching of God.
Matthew 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;”
Luke 6:27 “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”
In the Law, Moses taught this principle often from Mount Sinai. Here is just one illustration:
Exodus 23:4 “If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.”
As unpopular and difficult as it may be, the Christian life asks believers to treat people differently than the world treats people.
Luke 6:27 “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,"
vs. 28 “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
The Baptist martyr, Dirk Williams, was imprisoned in Holland in 1569. His crimes were holding church services in his home, getting baptized as an adult, and teaching that infant baptism was unscriptural.
Soon to be burned at the stake, he escaped and fled but was pursued by a soldier. Taking a grave risk, he ran across a frozen river which, when his pursuer attempted, the ice gave way and while struggling not to drown, cried for help. At that point, Dirk had a decision to make: love his enemy or let him die. Turning back, Dirk rescued his enemy only to end up being caught, returned to jail, and soon burned at the stake.
Like so many other godly martyrs, these people took their faith seriously enough to die for it. They loved their enemies at all cost.
This spirit is manifested at the cross when Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him.
Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..."
Stephen also showed this spirit of love and care when he, too, prayed for those who were killing him.
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.”
Some people might say that the verses in Matthew and Luke associated with loving our enemies are for special circumstances, exclusive to the Sermon on the Mount; but we see these same thoughts about love for enemies echoed by Paul to all believers in all times.
Romans 12:14 “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
Adding to his admonition towards those who hurt them, Paul instructed Christians to not just guard their actions but also guard their hearts. They were not to allow any bitterness or anger to find a home in their hearts.
Ephesians 4:31 “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
vs. 32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 5:1 “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;”
vs. 2 “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us…"
"Walk in love" is the summary of the exhortation. The second great commandment clearly includes loving our enemies. Obviously, loving enemies is no easy path to follow, but this path is clearly outlined in Scripture. May we love those who do not love us. May we draw near to the Lord and find grace to pray for those who misuse us.
Be good to people, all people. It is the way of the Saviour.
Pastor