How Do We Love Our Enemies?
In the Old Testament, the word translated into "hate" in the passage here means to love less. It is a hyperbole. In the Old Testament, it was assumed to be right to hate those who were evil. Jesus changes all of this with this teaching. He tells us that we must love all people and pray for even those who persecute us. This is a very difficult command given to us by Our Lord. How do we go about loving those who hate us? How do we love those who persecute us?
We all have unpleasant people in our lives that we must get along with. Co-workers, extended family members and neighbors. It can be difficult to deal with these people, but what do we do when the unpleasantness turns to hatred or worse? Can we really love those who hate us just as the Lord commands? Yes, we can.
St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, reminds us that, "The way to love has a name: it is sacrifice." Jesus loved each one of us so much that he sacrificed His life so that we would have Eternal Life. When we think of the great sacrifice that God Himself made for us, can we not make small sacrifices throughout our day for Him? St. Josemaria also has another quote that I love. He says, "What respect, veneration, and affection we should feel for every single soul when we realize that God loves it as His very own." How true this statement is! When we see the Creator in each and every human being we come into contact with, it transforms our lives.
When you interact with those who hate or persecute you, try to see Christ in each person. Pray so that you can be kind to them and start with small acts of kindness. I once heard a priest talk about forgiveness. He spoke about pretending to forgive when you did not think you were able to forgive. By pretending to forgive (going through the motions), praying, and performing small acts of kindness you will eventually be able to forgive. This practice could be used in dealing with those who hate us or those who could be considered our enemies. Once you begin praying and practicing small acts of kindness, you'll soon forget that they are not fond of you. When all is said and done, perhaps your small acts of kindness will change their hearts and they will be touched by the light of Christ through you! Jesus never said it was going to be easy, but He does show us the way.
Published by Pattie Curran
Pattie is a homeschooling mother of three. Two of her children have Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome and Mitochondrial disease. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from LSU. She worked as a social w... View profile
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7 Comments
Post a Commentcool. this comand is sometimes hard to do and there is always a chance to obey or disobey this command.
it is wonderful to know that jesus chose to die for all not only for those who loved him but also to those who persecuted Him.
Great Job! I totally agree with you.
A wonderful thought. Though its a bit difficult thing to practice, its our (Believers) bounden duty to practice this in our life. A s you said, Yes, only thru prayer this can happen. Yes prayer changes things. Praying and practicing small acts of kindness will do tremondous changes in people's life. Thanks for sharing Philip
This is a wonderful article. Sometimes it can be so hard to do, but, it is so necessary.
Patti, this is an excellent article. And yes, it is hard. No question about it. I believe I can only do that as Christ in me does it, for it is contrary to human nature. Speaking philosophically, we just never know what someone unpleasant has had to experience, and unless we know his/her journey and walk in the same shoes, it's pure audacity to judge them. Keep writing! I'll be reading since I subscribed to your content.
My comment didn't show up.. so I will just say great job this time.. don't know why it didn't show up. :D
I couldn't even forgive at all without Christ! I have learned to let things go and not let anyone hold power over me. My anger could keep me a prisoner, but I let it go.. and it is God that showed me how to love those that are hard to love.