“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (Mt. 5:43-44). This is truly a radical teaching. The Lord is pulling down all forms of barriers. He is calling us to universal love like God who loves all that he created. The Lord wants us to be like our heavenly Father who is perfect. The call to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us is a call to be like Jesus Christ, our Mentor and Model of Holiness. We have a duty to become another Christ in all we say and do. This is why it is imperative that we love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. In this reflection, we shall highlight why we should love our enemies and how to go about it.
Why We Should Love Our Enemies
First, we should love our enemies because of our nobility as God’s children (1 Jn. 3:2). Every being should act according to its nature. We are rational beings created in the image and likeness of God. This is why we ought to love our enemies and pray for them.
Second, we should love our enemies because this is the will of God for each and everyone of us (Mt. 5:43). The Lord expects us to forgive our enemies and love them. This is the example of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Third, we should love our enemies because it is for the good of the society. The more we love one another the stronger we become as a community and a family.
Fourth, we should love our enemies because this is our mission here on earth. The Master gave us the new commandment to love one another as he has loved us (Jn. 13:34).
Fifth, we should love our enemies because it will lead us to happiness and fulfillment. There is inner joy and happiness in loving our neighbours. There is the satisfaction in reaching out to others in love. This is one of the primary sources of fulfillment.
Sixth, we should love our enemies because it is salvific and redemptive. A life of love is essential for our salvation. On the last day, judgment will be based on love. The story of the final judgment given to us by Jesus Christ is very instructive here (Mt. 25:21-34).
How To Love Our Enemies
First, the first step towards loving our enemies is forgiveness. Without forgiveness, we cannot love our enemies. This is why we should embrace forgiveness of our enemies in order to love them.
Second, another means through which we can love our enemies is to pray for them. The Lord told us to pray for our enemies (Mt. 5:43-44).
Third, we can also love our enemies by wishing them well. Having good intentions towards our enemies is one way we can show them love. We should not wish our enemies evil. Rather, we should desire their own wellbeing and welfare.
Fourth, we can also love our enemies by supporting them in moments of trials and difficulties. We can sponsor and assist the education of our enemies’ children in need of help.
Fifth, we can also love our enemies by giving them second chance. This involves no discrimination against them. Allowing them to fulfill their dreams. When we refuse to stand against them and allow them to flourish.
Sixth, when we offer counseling and guidance to our enemies, we demonstrate our love for them. This is commendable and beautiful. It is not easy but with the grace of God it is possible. These are some of the ways we can love our enemies.
Prayers
Lord, help us to overcome resentment and bitterness. Lord, give us the grace of sacrificial love. Lord, deliver us from selfishness and pride. Lord, give us the gift of divine love. Lord, help us to love our enemies. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a wonderful day.
With lots of prayers and love.
Amen 🙏 Fr Collins. God bless you
Amen thanks for your prayers on this theme today. God bless you all.