Network Discipling Ministries

LIVING WITH YOUR ENEMY

¹⁷Never pay back evil for evil to anyone . . . ¹⁸If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. ¹⁹Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. ²⁰“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good – Romans 12:17-21

Read First: Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-29

Generally, most people tend to live by the philosophy that says, “Love your neighbors, but hate your enemies,” because human nature, by default, does not make any congenial accommodation for one’s enemy. Consequently, when Jesus explained that kingdom lifestyle required and encouraged every citizen to love his enemy; bless those who curse him; show kindness to those who hate him; and to pray for those who despitefully use and persecute him; His message appeared to be as far-fetched to His audience then, as it still appears to be for many today.

Sharing the same space with one’s enemy—at home, work, public or private domain, social gathering, “church,” or even in one’s private thoughts—is, more often than not, a very difficult and uncomfortable preposition. The emotional stress (for there is always some level of discomfort) that accompanies such encounters can be very overpowering, and often leads to negative feelings, un-welcome verbal expressions and poor behaviors. I am often amazed how easily a smile vanishes or joy fades at the mere sight of an “enemy”, or the mention of that “enemy’s” name.

Social science has also revealed that harboring grudges against one’s enemy can also act as catalysts for different types of illnesses, which are sometimes un-treatable by conventional medicine. So many among us have met their untimely demise because of their ill-feelings toward their enemies, and the sad truth is that the precipitating sickness or disease, directly responsible for their destruction, does not sit as judge over who is, or is not, responsible for the brokenness in the relationships. The other bitter side to this truth is that we are our own worst enemy.

HERE ARE FOUR VALID REASONS WHY JESUS’ COUNSEL, “LOVE YOUR ENEMIES,” IS VERY VITAL TO OUR TOTAL WELL-BEING:

1. THAT DISPOSITION SERVES AS A MESSENGER OF MERCY, PEACE, PRESERVATION AND HEALING TO THE BELIEVER.

2. LOVING, BLESSING, SHOWING KINDNESS AND PRAYING FOR ONE’S “ENEMY” BRING POSITIVE SPIRITUAL , PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DEPOSITS TO THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER, WHILE HEAPING COALS OF FIRE (MENTAL CONFUSION & JUDGEMENT) ON THE HEAD OF THE “ENEMY” (Romans 12:20).

3. OUR REAL ENEMY IS NOT FLESH & BLOOD PEOPLE, BUT SATAN & HIS DEMON FORCES OPERATING IN AND THROUGH HUMANITY– INCITING PEOPLE TO DESTROY ONE ANOTHER. The Bible says: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

4. WE ARE DOING SATAN’S WORK WHENEVER WE HATE OR TAKE VENGEANCE ON THE “ENEMY.” IT IS TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DO HIS WORK WITHOUT FIRST BEING FILLED WITH HIS WICKED & HATEFUL SPIRIT.

THE LATE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. LEFT US AN ENDURING LIFE-TIME LEGACY ON HOW TO LIVE WITH THE “ENEMY”, EVEN LOSING HIS LIFE IN THE PROCESS. HOWEVER, HIS DEATH BECAME A PRECIOUS SEED THAT GERMINATED INTO NEW IDEALS FOR HUMAN RELATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

At the end of the day, however, evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be damned; but those who put their trust in God will never be condemned (Psalms 34:21, 22).

REMEMBER THAT GOD WILL HAVE THE LAST SAY CONCERNING YOU AND YOUR “ENEMY”, AND HE IS ABLE TO DO A MORE THOROUGH JOB ON YOUR “ENEMY’ THAN YOU OR I EVER COULD.

THEREFORE, DO NOT PLAY JUDGE, JURY AND/OR EXECUTIONER. LEAVE THE “ENEMY” TO HIM!!!