By Andrew Williams
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:43-44
Good morning fellow disciples.
Few teachings of Jesus are as challenging and counter-cultural as His call to love our enemies. In a world that so often celebrates retribution, retaliation, and the desire to “get even,” the radical ethic of loving our enemies stands in stark contrast.
And yet, this command is rooted in the very nature of God. Scripture reveals a Creator who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8), even toward those who rebel against Him. In the stunning example of the cross, we see Jesus praying for the forgiveness of His executioners, the ultimate embodiment of loving those who hated Him.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect this same posture – not because our enemies deserve it, but because God’s love compels us to see the humanity in even the most hostile and hurtful people. It means resisting the urge to dehumanize, demonize, or seek revenge. Instead, we are called to extend grace, to seek reconciliation, and to pray for the transformation of those who would do us harm.
This is, without a doubt, one of the most difficult and counter-intuitive aspects of the Christian life. Our natural human inclination is to protect ourselves, to lash out, and to return evil for evil.
But Jesus is clear: the mark of His disciples is a radical, self-sacrificial love that goes beyond mere civility or toleration. It’s a love that looks like praying for those who persecute us, blessing those who curse us, and doing good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27-28). It’s a love that mirrors the very heart of God.
Of course, living out this kind of love is not merely a matter of willpower or determination. It requires the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to see our enemies through the lens of grace and to respond with the transformative power of the gospel.
As we embrace this radical ethic of loving our enemies, we not only reflect the character of our Savior – we also experience the freedom and wholeness that comes from releasing our need for revenge or retaliation. For in loving our enemies, we discover the liberating truth that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and he will repay (Romans 12:19).
May the Spirit of the living God embolden us to love sacrificially, to forgive extravagantly, and to be conduits of His reconciling power in a world that so desperately needs it.
Prayer: Father God, transform us and transform our enemies as we show them love. Amen.
Amen