God's Glory Church

“And I say to you: Love your enemies… and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44

The American Civil War created many bitter feelings, but Abraham Lincoln saw fit to say a good word about the South. Afterwards, one woman, shocked by his words, asked how he could do that. Lincoln replied, “Madam, do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” Reflecting on these words centuries later, Martin Luther King commented, “That is the power of redemptive love.”

In urging Christians to love their enemies, King referred to the teachings of Jesus. He noted that although it may be difficult for believers to love those who persecute them, this love grows out of “constant and complete submission to God.” King said: “By showing such love, we know God and experience the beauty of His holiness.”

King referred to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, in which the Lord said, “Love your enemies … and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father” (Matt. 5:44-45). Jesus opposed the generally accepted principle of loving only your loved ones and hating your enemies. Instead, God the Father empowers His children to love those who oppose them.

It may seem impossible to love our enemies, but if we turn to God for help, He answers our prayers. He gives courage to accept this radical practice, because, as Jesus said, “all things are possible with God” (Mt. 19:26).

Who is your enemy? If it seems incompatible to show love to those who oppose you, how can you bring these feelings to God?

Loving God, You created me and my abusers in Your image. Help perceive them as you perceive them.

By Amy Buescher Pye