At least according to the media, we have a world filled with enemies. Some want us destroyed, some want us subjugated, and others want to take all we have for themselves. Where do we find this idea of “enemies?” The word “enemy” or “enemies” is frequent in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word most often so translated is “oyebh”, meaning perhaps literally, “one who hates.” We expect the idea of hatred and enemies in the Old Testament when people were settling in a land occupied by other tribes, who worshipped different gods. But today, we are under the spirit of the law that Jesus expressed in his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:43, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’”1NIV New International Version Translations Why do we still have so many enemies?
Let’s begin with an honest assessment of our nation’s political policy. The United States has a long history of intervening in other countries’ affairs, whether through military action, economic sanctions, or political influence. These actions, often necessary for national security, can be perceived as aggressive or imperialistic by other nations. Add to this list the cultural differences, such as religion and past conflicts, and you have a good start on why hatred exists in our world. Finally, we are a nation comprised of virtually all ideologies, religions, beliefs, and cultures. Our diversity is a result of freedom. One must wonder, is getting along even possible?
Satan and his demons excel at concealing wickedness, distorting facts to make lies seem believable. In our digital age, leading someone into spiritual danger can happen in seconds. Only the most discerning person can identify the devil’s work. Therefore, we are called to enhance our “powers of discernment” by distinguishing good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). How is this achieved? By deepening our understanding of biblical doctrine. Satan and his representatives often appear as attractive, charming, and appealing individuals, using this facade to deceive and ensnare people into accepting false teachings. Who is Satan? He is described as beautiful, which makes him even more deceptive (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Both Satan and his representatives use this charade to mislead and trap people into believing erroneous teachings. This is where hatred is born!
In Luke’s Gospel, such love as Jesus calls for in His Sermon on the Mount imitates God. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). To love enemies is a form of mercy that mirrors the divine mercy, for God is also “kind to the ungrateful and the wicked” (Luke 6:35). The same holds in Matthew’s account (Matt 5:45). “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:48), We know that God loves God’s enemies because Jesus died for us while we were still sinners, estranged from God (Romans 5:8).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs his followers to love their enemies and pray for those persecuting them (Matthew 5:44). This teaching emphasizes unconditional love and forgiveness. Don’t miss the part about forgiveness. In Matthew 18:21-22, he tells Peter to forgive not just seven but seventy-seven times, indicating that forgiveness should be limitless. While the Bible emphasizes love and forgiveness, it also acknowledges that God is and will judge evil. Romans 12:19 advises believers to leave vengeance to God, indicating that while humans are called to love and forgive, ultimate judgment is reserved for God.
Jesus gave us a simple example while He hung on the cross. To his left and right hung two criminals. One mocked Jesus, one repented and recognized Jesus. One entered paradise, one did not. Jesus loved both, and the offer of eternal happiness existed for both. That is the message in the Sermon on the Mount. But the postscript on the message is that God ultimately holds all accountable.
(Corinthians 4:4) – “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Conclusions
God is perfectly plain; to “hate” is wrong. Since the entire concept of an enemy is based on hatred, it is bad in God’s eyes to consider someone your enemy. It is also incorrect to seek vengeance upon anyone. God’s starting position is to love one another. Yet, saying we cannot avoid our enemies would also be a mistake. Those who seek to destroy the Will of God are dangerous, and a discerning mind tells us to avoid such people.
(Peter 5:8) – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Forgiveness requires repentance. To the unrepentant heart filled with hatred, it is best to avoid them and leave them to God’s judgment. Forgiveness is also a “two-way street.”
Jesus acknowledged the right to self-defense in Luke 22:36. “He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” This was not an open call to carry weapons. However, Jesus did establish one’s right to self-defense. God will determine the difference between protection, retribution, and revenge. The Apostle Luke adds, “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe” (Luke 22:51).
Contemplations
- What is the root cause of enmity (hostile or hateful) today?
- Ideas to Explore: How do historical and cultural factors contribute to the perception of enemies? What is the role of the media in shaping public opinion about enemies?
- How can individuals enhance their powers of discernment to identify good from evil?
- Ideas to Explore: How does the importance of understanding biblical doctrine relate to discerning good from evil? What are some practical ways to deepen one’s spiritual understanding and awareness?
- Can a nation with diverse ideologies, religions, beliefs, and cultures coexist peacefully?
- Ideas to Explore: What are the challenges and opportunities of multicultural coexistence? What is the role of political policies and cultural differences in fostering or hindering harmony?
- How does the concept of divine mercy influence how we treat our enemies?
- Ideas to Explore: Reflect on Jesus’ teachings regarding loving one’s enemies in the Sermon on the Mount. Consider the balance between love, forgiveness, and acknowledging God’s judgment.
- 1NIV New International Version Translations