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Love your Enemies - but how?

No matter who they are, family, friend, acquaintance, etc. and no matter what they've done to you or said about you, God expects us to "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you" (Luke 6:27-28). But, with all the emotions that came with that hurt, HOW do you really?


You should not have dishonoring thoughts against your enemies which means you aren't to wish their peril.

We are encouraged to do the exact opposite.


God in His word says to us "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you" (Luke 6:27-28).


Do not rejoice when your enemy meets trouble. Let there be no gladness when he falls—For the Lord may be displeased with you and stop punishing him! (Proverbs 24:17-18).



Don't seek revenge.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord (Romans 12:17,19).


However, do note that you should be able to live without a weight on your heart if you don't see what that particular vengeance or justice is.



There is no need to be fearful of those who are against you and seek to keep you down.

Our Lord is our protector and His promises will be fulfilled in our lives despite the spiteful dealings of man.


He rescues me from my enemies; He holds me safely out of their reach and saves me from these powerful opponents (Psalm 18:48).



With these in mind, they can act as standard-bearers or indicators in terms of your heart and where it stands in relation to those people. If you find that you are then seeking revenge, wishing for their demise, etc - these are indications that you need to address your heart on the matter and repent about these feelings.


It's not to say that you can't be angry, hurt or the like. In fact, it's not to say that you need to ever be completely back in their space after you've repented. The important thing here is to forgive and press forward for your soul's benefit and so that you are not consumed by the negative emotions that surround the matter. God will take care of the rest as He sees fit - which you need not be a part of.


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