One of the most challenging orders Jesus gives is, “Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-38).
While the root story is the same, Matthew tells the story to encourage holiness, while Luke tells the story to encourage mercy.
Now, all this stretches my logic and emotions almost to the breaking point. Paul, however, makes it even harder!
“Those who tell the message about Christ out of love know that God has put me here to defend the Good News. But the others are insincere. They tell the message about Christ out of selfish ambition in order to stir up trouble for me while I’m in prison. But what does it matter? Nothing matters except that, in one way or another, people are told the message about Christ, whether with honest or dishonest motives, and I’m happy about that. Yes, I will continue to be happy. Live as citizens who reflect the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I’ll hear all about you. I’ll hear that you are firmly united in spirit, united in fighting for the faith that the Good News brings. So don’t let your opponents intimidate you in any way” (Philippians 1:16-18, 27-28a God’s Word).
God shows Paul that those who pretend to follow Christ only to make trouble for true believers remain as enemies. Yet Paul expresses happiness at this situation. Even malicious witnesses, fake healers, power-motivated pastors and Spirit-missing religious organizations talk about Jesus. They help to spread the word even when they intend to hinder God’s plan.
So does that mean that religious people who have done great harm to me should be a source of happiness because when they aren’t destroying me they use words that refer to Jesus?
Wow!
Those with “dishonest motives” and “selfish ambition” can have their malice transformed midair into a seed planted for Jesus.
I’m just starting to get the hang of compassion for my enemies as I see their lost state. (“I have often told you, and now tell you with tears in my eyes, that many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. In the end they will be destroyed” [Philippians 3:18-19a God’s Word]). Now God wants me to learn happiness from these persecutors who voice the name of Jesus!
Maybe I’ll just close my Bible, put my fingers in my ears, close my eyes, and pretend I didn’t read that.
What would you do?
Related articles
- “Love Your Enemies” … How? (christianpurposeblog.wordpress.com)
October 7, 2013
nopew
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6 responses to “Happy to Love Enemies”
nopew
October 14th, 2013 at 10:30
Being in the will of God brings peace at such profound levels that anyone who has never walked that way cannot possibly grasp it.
Peace
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lessonsbyheart
October 12th, 2013 at 23:21
Not you, funny fellow. Televangelists make me crazy…as do the phony faith healers. The last time I yelled was at a fellow guilting little old ladies into cleaning out their bank accounts to “further the work of the Lord.” It’s a good thing the TV was in a motel room or I might have thrown something through the screen!
Love that abundant life…and I’m not talking money and “stuff.” Prior to my new job, nothing I did was what the world would call “productive.” I earned no money, but made music and wrote stuff for my blog. Despite this supposed “failure” status with the world, I certainly feel successful. I’m doing what the Lord called me to do and that is enough.
I’m thankful that I finally realized that my job is to cast seed and water that which has been sown. The outcome is God’s responsibility. What a relief. As you said, it takes the pressure off.
Enjoy your day!
\o/
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nopew
October 12th, 2013 at 20:43
Are you calling me Balaam’s jack… 🙂 (Ha!)?
Trouble is, I had to live with this before I shared it.
But on a serious note, daily I can use reminders of God’s grace (good favour, divine compassion in action). It can never be what I do, but God has done, is doing. It really takes the pressure off and brings an abundance to life, so why do we keep forgetting?
Thanks for your comments. I find them motivating. And thanks for the author of the book.
Peace
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lessonsbyheart
October 12th, 2013 at 16:50
The Way of Agape was written by Nancy Missler…and is an excellent study in love. I recommend it too!
My heart was pierced through when you wrote about the “fake healers, power-motivated pastors and Spirit-missing religious organizations” – eek! Them too???
Maybe I’ll put my fingers in MY ears, shut my eyes, and pretend I didn’t read that. It seems like they do more damage than good; but if God could use an ass….!
Who am I to limit how He can spread His redemption story?
Hmm. Just about the time I think I’ve “arrived,” you burst my bubble with more truth, and show me how far short I fall. Thanks a lot! 😉
\o/
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nopew
October 10th, 2013 at 09:47
I agree, we could never love like, or out-love, God. But when we open ourselves to God’s love we get closer, “We love because God loved us first”. I’m not familiar with that book; maybe I’ll give it a look since that is the spiritual project I’m on right now. Thanks.
Peace
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Anonymous
October 9th, 2013 at 21:24
Me and my spiritual mentor are going through the book and workbook called “The Way of Agape”. Ever heard of it. Talk about learning how to love like God loves. It’s crazy the way He loves…. all the patience in the world and more. I, of my own strength could never do it. I must go to God for the strength.
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