“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus WOULD say something like this, wouldn’t He? Is there anything more counter-cultural than that? Is there anything more unnatural for us? Perhaps that’s the point. When we trust in Christ as our King, the upside-down nature of his kingdom becomes reality.
If you’re like me, “enemy” seems like a pretty harsh word for just about anyone in my life. Would I call someone with a differing opinion an enemy? Of course not. Would I call someone who has a difficult personality an enemy? Don’t think so. Would I call a New England Patriots fan an enemy? Now we’re getting somewhere…
In all seriousness though, there is probably some relativity to the term. Yet, the frivolousness of people or institution that I personally might consider my opposition is no excuse to disregard this high calling that Jesus gives in Matthew 5. In fact , if I were to compile a short list of my enemies and compare it to that of Dr. Martin Luther King (or many like him), what excuse am I left with? This causes me to look first at Christ, and then deep within and ask the Spirit, who do I fail to love? Who do I lack compassion for? From whom do I withhold mercy, patience, kindness or even encouragement? It takes but a minute to notice that this list much lengthier than my other one.
Love my enemies? Let me first start with my family.