Why Show the Love of God to My Enemy?

Show Mercy

Show The Love of Jesus

Humble Affection

A mature Christian always wants to show the love of God. This act displays Godly behavior and wisdom to the souls that need it the most. People who display evil deeds or harbor evil thoughts need a Jesus like Godly example. We, as Christians, are called to be a humble example of the love that Jesus wants us to show. This act of humble affection shows the strength and love of Jesus Himself.

Three Who Loved Jesus

Three very prominent people best display the love of God and the love of Jesus Christ.

  1. Jesus Himself: If you re-read the events of His crucifixion, you will notice the Son of God Himself shows no anger at His accusers or to those who tortured and crucified Him. Our Savior allows these events to play out, as prophesy stated. Jesus knew in advance His fate that He alone would save all humanity from the clutches of Hell. He wanted to show the love of God, not His wrath.
  1. Stephen- The first martyr for Jesus. This man was full of the Spirit of the Lord and spoke with wisdom and authority while teaching the words of Jesus Christ. The Jews who heard him said evil things about Stephen and wrongly accused him of blasphemy, just like Jesus. As Stephen was stoned to death, he asked God not to hold them accountable for this evil deed. Another example of the love of Jesus. A vital member of this angry, murderous crowd was Saul of Tarsus, now known as the apostle Paul.
  1. The third was the Apostle Paul himself. Paul, after his conversion on the Damascus road, spent the remainder of his life preaching the gospel and establishing new churches everywhere the Holy Spirit led him. He also, with the help of the Holy Spirit, penned most of the New Testament of the Bible. The letters written to his fellow Christians about church doctrine and appropriate Godly wisdom and behavior helped form the churches we know today ( or at least the ones that truly follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.)

Thorn in My Side

Paul spoke once of a “thorn in his side” and asked God to please remove or heal this malady that plagued him. God answered, “Thy Grace is Sufficient for Thee.” It is never stated clearly what this issue was, but most biblical scholars feel it may have been a medical issue. No one knows for sure. It is my opinion that anytime things like this are not answered, it is because Jesus is showing us, His children, there may be many issues that apply to each of us, and we must realize that His grace is sufficient for us as well.

God’s Ways – Not Our Ways

Showing love and showing kindness is easy when the person receiving kindness appreciates and accepts the gift. However, what about the person who has rejected Christ? How do we, as Christians, react to violence and anger. We are trying to show our love and faith in the almighty God?

The last part of Romans 12 goes against human nature, but God’s ways are not our ways.

Hey, do you want to puzzle and confound your enemies? Ok then, show them love and grace when they show you hateful behavior. Try this:

forgiveness

Act Just like Jesus

(Romans Ch.12 v.14) Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. (v.15) Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. (v.16) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.

(v.17) Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. (v.18) If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

(v.19) Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

(v.20) On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (v.21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

All good advice. However, anybody on the street would say this is nuts! I’m trying to talk about Jesus to a guy, and his response is anger or, worse yet, bodily harm.  In prayer, let the spirit lead you regarding this or any other individual. I personally would never ask anyone to place themselves at risk.

Godly Kindness

Although it may seem futile to attempt this, God will make a way so this person will be reached and hear the salvation message of Christ. It is quite possible, the only Godly kindness shown to this person may come from you. Yes, you, at that moment, may represent all of Jesus’ love in one act of kindness. Have faith and allow the Holy Spirit to work His miracle in a person’s heart.

I have read most bullies act out harshly toward others because they are angry at something else and feel powerless to stop it. Therefore the bully exhibits power where they can; on the weak. The love of God can and will provide the strength to overcome the fear with confidence and love.

You see, God made you, Jesus saved you; the Holy Spirit led you and formed your heart. Please understand, your enemy also was created by God. He, too, can have redemption through Jesus if he knew about the love of God. Your enemy can be transformed into your ally just by allowing the Holy Spirit to work within him.

If you return anger with anger, this will only breed more hatred. Show the love of Christ. This act may be the only Christian love this person sees. Show him the love of Jesus, just like Jesus is showing His love to you. Allow Jesus to use you as an example of God’s love too.

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