A Reflection On Enemies

When I am resentful toward others

So often we feel compelled to respond to others as they have dealt with us. When we have been mistreated, we cultivate bitterness and resentment about the experience. Jesus never says that these are not genuine or legitimate feelings. What He calls for, instead, is absolutely counterintuitive to the human experience: a rejection of our resentments and bitterness, no matter how appropriate they are. We are to love even when love grates against our souls. While we hope for the downfall of our enemies, Jesus actually expects us to pray for blessings to rain down upon them. Why?

The Bible says we were once enemies of God (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21). And His response was to rain blessings upon us—the gift of salvation. Did this give us victory over God? Quite the contrary. God’s blessing, in spite of our enmity with Him, made us humble. Neither will our blessing of our enemies give them the victory we think it will. Rather, it will demonstrate the grace of God. And we will be one step closer to being like Him.

I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

Luke 6:27-28