On Enemies

by Terry Wane Benton

• They made up their mind not to like me for no good reason, but God loves me greatly for deep reasons. Who do I trust?
• They undermine me, but God upholds me! Who matters to me the most?
• They choose to keep me out, but God chooses to keep me near. Who has the greater hold on my heart?
• They backstab me with their words to others, but God draws me in with gentle cords of love. Who wins in the battle for my emotional well-being?
• They want to see me fail, but God wants to see me succeed. Who has my greater interest?

Jesus tells us that we cannot avoid having people choose to be our enemies. He had plenty! But once we accept that reality, He wants us to have goodwill (love) for them (Matthew 5:44-48) because despite their ignorance, there is a chance that by doing good to them we can win a few over from the dark side to the side of love and light! If we can see past their ignorance to their eternal value, we too can pray, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!" Such a prayer makes you better and puts you in better charge of your emotions and actions towards others.