Loving Enemies - Where to Start

As I mentioned Sunday, God has a lot of work to do on me in regard to loving my "enemies".  I can't love them by avoiding them.  I think we all struggle with it.  That's why Jesus' command was so radical.

So, where do we start?  Maybe we don't start with enemies, but with people we don't know very well.  How many of us have an opinion about someone, but honestly, we don't know them at all? 

This week, start small.  Start with your neighbors on your street.  Deliberately walk outside and look for opportunities to show love - i.e., start conversations, invite them over for dinner, help them with a project, etc.

As you read and follow the blogs, let me know how you felt before you tried this, and how you felt after you came back inside!  I look forward to hearing.

Posted on Wed, September 30, 2009 by Jonathan Goeke

2 comments (Add your own)

1. Alex wrote:
I must admit when Pastor Jonathan said that God wants us to love our enemies I had a very difficult time with this. But after thinking about it I believe I have practiced this under the title of respect for that person. Still not an easy thing to do, easier if you can justify that person's acts they are old, they had a terrible childhood, etc...

Mon, October 5, 2009 @ 8:41 PM

2. PJ wrote:
Alex - thanks for the honesty. Trust me, I struggle with this on a daily basis. I wish I had been the one to say this, then neither you nor I would have to obey it. But this comes directly from Jesus - and it was pretty clear.

I also believe when we know that person's background - like what happened that day - what they are dealing with - what sort of upbringing they had - it can help us have patience and show love. For instance, when we get frustrated with a waiter/waitress that seems rude and is messing everything up, it might help to know that their spouse informed them that morning that they were having an affair with their boss. Knowing that information doesn't fully justify their actions, but might help me understand enough to show them love.

Tue, October 6, 2009 @ 10:03 AM

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