The existence of enemies is a painful reality of the faithful Christian life, but not one that should surprise us. Our Lord had enemies. The Jewish leaders, Judas, and, of course, Satan himself all opposed Him and sought His ultimate failure and demise. The world hated Jesus and because it hated Him, it hates His people. Jesus said,
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you (John 15:18-19).
John would later write, “Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13). Christians are lights shining in a world of darkness (Matt. 5:16), and darkness, by its very nature, hates light (John 3:19-21). Therefore, it follows naturally that those who walk in darkness would do everything within their power to fight against and extinguish the light.
How should we deal with those who hate and fight against us? The carnal person typically seeks the demise of his enemies. He desires to completely defeat and overwhelm them. But, God’s people live by a higher standard (cf. Eph. 4:1) and therefore, must deal with their enemies in a different way. In this article we will briefly consider three contexts of scripture, which speak to the relationship we are to have with our enemies. The combined thought of these passages is overwhelmingly clear–God’s desire is that we love those who hate us and strive to convert them from enemies to brethren.
First, consider Matthew 5:38-42.
Jesus said, You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
The examples Jesus referenced had great meaning to every person in His audience. A slap to the right cheek would be a backhanded blow, a great sign of disrespect in the time of the New Testament. The cloak was an outer garment that was used for warmth and even bedding in the open field. Roman soldiers had the ability to compel a person to carry a load for them up to one mile. Jesus commanded more–go the extra mile! Each of these items illustrates God’s desire for His people to forego retaliation. Such is difficult and often contrary to our nature as human beings. Retaliation is often our initial inclination but Jesus forbids that kind of reaction and commands something far more impactful.
Our second passage flows logically from the first, providing the positive reaction to be coupled with the negative (e.g. do not retaliate). In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said, “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” The conventional wisdom of the day suggested love for those who love you (your neighbor) and hatred for those who hate you (your enemy). Jesus turned that wisdom on its head by commanding us to love all people, and especially those who do not love us in return. Notice the 4 imperatives in the passage–love, bless, do good, and pray! Each of these suggests action with love as the foundation. To agape someone is to desire their best interest. That desire should always be coupled with action. It is easy to seek the best interest of those who seek ours; even “tax collectors” do that (Matt. 5:46). However it is very difficult to actively seek good for someone who only seeks our harm. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus enjoins in this context.
Practically speaking, what does it mean to love our enemies and forego retaliation against them? Consider Romans 12:17-21 :
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
In this context Paul reemphasizes the instruction of our Lord to turn away from an attitude of retaliation. However, just because God’s people are not to take retributive matters into their own hands does not mean that justice will be left out of the equation. Our just God will deal with the enemies of His people, and therefore we must trust Him to “take vengeance.” Our responsibility is to “feed” our enemies. Remember, Jesus commanded that we love our enemies; do good to them and pray for them. Meeting the needs of hunger and thirst is just one example of the kind of service that springs from the kind of heart that God’s demands reside in His people.
How does God desire us to treat our enemies? What kind of relationship should we have with those who hate us? In sum, our Father wants us to love and serve them. Though they may abuse us in a multitude of ways, our mindset is to be that of our Savior’s:
who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Pet. 2:23).
Our goal must not be the ultimate demise of our enemies, but instead, their salvation.
-Cody Westbrook
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