Why should we love our enemies?

•  God gives us an example in this. „[God] is also kind to the ungrateful and bad.“ (Luke 6:35) „ Let the sun rise on the bed and on the good and give rain on the righteous and the unjust.“ (Matthew 5:45)

•  Love can prompt the enemy to change. The Bible advises us to treat our enemies with kindness. V Proverbs 25:22 it is written that when we do this, we sum embers on their heads. This metaphor refers to the process of smelting ore to obtain precious metals. Similarly, if we are kind to someone who hates us, it can figuratively melt their anger, so that the good that is in them comes to the surface.

 For example, how can we show love to our enemies?

•  „Do good to those who hate you.“ (Luke 6:27) In the Bible, for example, it is written: „ When your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat, when he is thirsty, give him something to drink.“ (Romans 12:20) There are other ways we can show love to our enemies. A principle known as the Golden Rule: „As you want people to do to you, do to them.“ (Luke 6:31)

•  „Yank those who curse you.“ (Luke 6:28) We bless our enemies by speaking to them kindly and considerately, even when they insult us. The Bible says: „ Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but, on the contrary, bless.“ (1. Peter 3:9, footnote) This advice can help us get out of the cycle of hate.

•  „Pray for those who insult you.“ (Luke 6:28) If someone insults you, „ don’t repay bad“. (Romans 12:17) On the contrary, ask God to forgive him. (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:59, 60) God has perfect standards of justice, so leave it to him and don’t try vengeance. (3. Moses 19:18; Romans 12:19 

 „Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy, does not boast, does not exalt itself, does not behave rudely, is not selfish, cannot be provoked, does not count wrongs. He does not enjoy injustice, but enjoys the truth. He endures everything, believes everything, hopes everything, perseveres everything. Love never fails.“ (1. Corinthians 13:4–8)

 Should we fight our enemies?

 No, Jesus did not teach his followers anything like that. For example, when he warned them of the impending attack on Jerusalem, he did not say to stay there and fight, but to flee. (Luke 21:20, 21) And besides that, he said to the apostle Peter: „ Give your sword back to the place. All who take the sword will perish by the sword.“ (Matthew 26:52) The Bible and historians confirm that Jesus’ followers did not fight against their enemies in the first century. a (2 Timothy 2:24)

 Misconceptions about what it means to love your enemies

 Misconception: God’s Law commanded the Israelites to hate their enemies.

 Misconception: To love one’s enemies is to approve of their wrongdoing.

 Fact: According to the Bible, we can love someone while disagreeing with their wrongdoing. For example, even though Jesus condemned violence, he prayed for those involved in his execution. (Luke 23:34) And even though Jesus hated sin, he gave his life for sinners. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23)