Loving Enemies

by Doy Moyer

The world can see whether or not we love one another (John 13:34-35). The world can see whether or not we are committed to unity (John 17:20-21). The world can also see whether or not we love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48).

Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash

Loving enemies is one of the more distinctive features of following Christ. It is the least expected and possibly the most impactful. In a world of vitriolic hatred, political malice, and selfish ambition, loving your enemy will send a different message. That message will be the one sent by Jesus Christ when He died, not just for His friends, but for His enemies (Romans 5:6-11). We were in that group.

While loving your brothers and sisters is more common and expected (though even then sometimes difficult), loving your enemies, praying for them, being a neighbor to them, will show a Christ-like spirit that seeks their salvation instead of their destruction, their peace instead of their turmoil, their humanity instead of their degradation.

Christ loved us when we were His enemies. Will we do the same for others?