Who Is Your Enemy

Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34

Jesus continued to explain that you are to love your enemy! This commandment has always been difficult to carry out. Unfortunately, sin is imbedded into our human nature. It sometimes seems we can get caught up in the details. Who really is our enemy? A criminal, a murderer, a tax collector? If these were the only enemies we had, it would make sense that it would be a struggle to follow this commandment but most of us do not encounter such people on a daily basis. In that respect, we could easily fall into a false sense of security thinking we limit our interaction with our enemies. But what about the guy who cuts you off in traffic, the coworker who takes credit for work you did, or a friend who chooses to spread rumors against you. These people do not necessarily fall under the strict definition of enemy, but it may be more difficult to show kindness to them.

Jesus also says, “pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:43. In this world where selfishness, self preservation and egotism are common attitudes, we can lose sight of how a simple act of kindness is one of the most powerful weapons we have. In truth, we are all humans dealing with troubles. To that point, it is very probable that when someone wrongs you, that action has nothing to do with you and is taken to relieve some pain that person is enduring.

When put in that perspective, being kind to someone who wrongs you is the only way to take your enemy and make him or her your neighbor. There is no doubt that the initial act of kindness may be hard to perform, but the overall benefits are worth it. This act will not only grant you entrance into Heaven, but may help your enemy enter in as well.