Love Your Enemies ???

[Starman3000m]

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44)

Question: "What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to love our enemies?"

Answer: When Jesus said we are to love our enemies, He was creating a new standard for relationships. He proclaimed to the crowds listening to His Sermon on the Mount that they knew they were to love their neighbor because the command to love our neighbor was a law of God (Leviticus 19:18). That we must therefore hate our enemy was an inference incorrectly drawn from it by the Jews. While no Bible verse explicitly says “hate your enemy,” the Pharisees may have somewhat misapplied some of the Old Testament passages about hatred for God’s enemies (Psalm 139:19-22, 140:9-11). But Jesus replaced this idea with an even higher standard: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). Jesus goes on to explain that loving those who love us is easy and even unbelievers can do that. Then He commands us to “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48).

Jesus explained to His followers that they should adhere to the real meaning of God’s law by loving their enemies as well as their neighbors. A Pharisee once asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). Jesus then told the parable of the Good Samaritan. Here Jesus taught that His followers must demonstrate love to all kinds of people—no matter what faith, nationality, or personality—enemies included. If you love your enemies and “pray for those who persecute you,” you then truly reveal that He is Lord of your life.

By using an analogy of the sun rising and the rain falling on both the good and the evil, Jesus shows God’s undiscriminating love to all people. His disciples then must reflect His character and exhibit this same undiscriminating love for both friends and enemies. Jesus is teaching us that we must live by a higher standard than what the world expects—a standard that is impossible for us to attain by our own efforts. It’s only through the power of God’s Spirit that His people can truly love and pray for those who intend to do them harm (Romans 12:14-21).

Finally, after giving us the admonition to love our enemies, Jesus then gives us this command: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). As sons of our Father (Matthew 5:45), we are to be perfect, even as He is perfect. Such perfection means absolute perfection, which is utterly impossible for sinful man to achieve. This unattainable standard is exactly what the Law itself demanded (James 2:10). So how can Jesus demand the impossible? He later tells us, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). That which God demands, only He can accomplish, even the demand to love our enemies. What is impossible for man becomes possible for those who give their lives to Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in our hearts.

Article Source: Bible Questions Answered

 

[VoteJP]

J.P. Cusick, for Maryland Governor 2010

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44)

Question: "What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to love our enemies?"

I like this doctrine and so many people miss the point of it.

It is not just "love" because it mean agape as "unconditional and voluntary".

And it does not mean to convert thy enemies and turn them into friends so then it is easy to love thy companions - no, loving thy enemy means that they are in fact enemies and not friendly.

I see this doctrine as applying to the entire world and to all of humanity.

One must "unconditionally love" the Hindus and Muslims and Atheist and Communist or Republicans and sinners and love everyone.

And "enemies" means more than just war or violent enemies, because a friend that cheats on us or a person lies to us, or cuts us off in traffic, then those are our enemies even in a short or quick event.

.

 

[Penn]

This is tough one to try to come to grips with.

Quoted by SM300m:

"By using an analogy of the sun rising and the rain falling on both the good and the evil, Jesus shows God’s undiscriminating love to all people. His disciples then must reflect His character and exhibit this same undiscriminating love for both friends and enemies. Jesus is teaching us that we must live by a higher standard than what the world expects—a standard that is impossible for us to attain by our own efforts. It’s only through the power of God’s Spirit that His people can truly love and pray for those who intend to do them harm (Romans 12:14-21)."


It is by the power of The Holy Spirit that I ask forgiveness for those who intentionally lie, cheat, do harm to myself and others, when they know what they have done is just plain wrong.

However, I am not perfect; as much as I try to follow the Word of God, there is a part of me that knows full well that I am not God and I can never be as perfect as He is. I have my faults, I know that, all I can do is try harder.

Can I love my enemies? I'm still trying to deal with that issue. I'm working on it. It's kind of 50/50 right now.

 

[Starman3000m]

This is tough one to try to come to grips with.

Quoted by SM300m:

"By using an analogy of the sun rising and the rain falling on both the good and the evil, Jesus shows God’s undiscriminating love to all people. His disciples then must reflect His character and exhibit this same undiscriminating love for both friends and enemies. Jesus is teaching us that we must live by a higher standard than what the world expects—a standard that is impossible for us to attain by our own efforts. It’s only through the power of God’s Spirit that His people can truly love and pray for those who intend to do them harm (Romans 12:14-21)."


It is by the power of The Holy Spirit that I ask forgiveness for those who intentionally lie, cheat, do harm to myself and others, when they know what they have done is just plain wrong.

However, I am not perfect; as much as I try to follow the Word of God, there is a part of me that knows full well that I am not God and I can never be as perfect as He is. I have my faults, I know that, all I can do is try harder.

Can I love my enemies? I'm still trying to deal with that issue. I'm working on it. It's kind of 50/50 right now.

Hi Penn,

And this is what will get you past the 50/50 part:

It’s only through the power of God’s Spirit that His people can truly love and pray for those who intend to do them harm.

Under our own human abilities, there is no way that we can learn to really have love and compassion for all people in general including loving and forgiving our enemies as Jesus asks us to do. Even when a friend does you wrong, Jesus asks us to still forgive them and pray for them - not wishing any ill will against them. That is why He has given the empowering source of strength through the indwelling Holy Spirit of God in the born-again believer.

It is God's Strength (not ours) through which we have a changed heart, a changed attitude, and a changed life.

JP makes a good point that this is what would work for all mankind if only people could follow the examples of teachings of Jesus in having Agape Love.

Agape Love is not something we ourselves can work at achieving; it is the Free Gift of God that is given to us a part of our renewed spiritual life. This is the basis of us living as a new creation - through the Born-Again process that comes when we are indwelt by the Spirit of God and allow Him to take control of all directions in our lives. Here is a sampling of what one receives through the power of God's Indwelling Spirit:

From Galatians, Chapter 5:

22: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23: Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24: And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26: Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

We do not have the ability to achieve and sustain any of the attributes mentioned above under our own strength. Only through God's Spiritual empowerment in our daily walk is this possible. There are many who struggle with that same 50/50 effort to "Love your enemy - do good to those who despitefully use you and say all manner of evil agains you." But they are trying under their own strength.

I struggled with that as well for many years until the following verse really sank in:

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)

 

[Penn]

Thanks Starman300m.

Good words to consider and try to live by. I will continue to ask for Forgiveness for those who have done wrong.

I may be opening a can of worms here, but I have to ask - if someone refers to Our Lord Jesus Christ - as a "thug, a common criminal", how do you find it in your heart to love that person?

I can ask the Holy Spirit for their Forgiveness, but in my heart of hearts - I don't know if I can express a feeling of love for that individual. I just don't know......

 

[VoteJP]

J.P. Cusick, for Maryland Governor 2010

I may be opening a can of worms here, but I have to ask - if someone refers to Our Lord Jesus Christ - as a "thug, a common criminal", how do you find it in your heart to love that person?

The Gospel tells us that Jesus was whipped, mocked, spat-on, then crucified, so Jesus can take a hit, and people today calling Him names has no power against the strong and invincible Christ.

Jesus does not need nor want our protection from persons that call Him names and degradations today.

A person that insults God or Jesus is a person heaping coals onto their own head.

.

 

[Penn]

The Gospel tells us that Jesus was whipped, mocked, spat-on, then crucified, so Jesus can take a hit, and people today calling Him names has no power against the strong and invincible Christ.

Jesus does not need nor want our protection from persons that call Him names and degradations today.

A person that insults God or Jesus is a person heaping coals onto their own head.

.

Good thoughts VoteJP. I don't always agree with your opinions, but these are comforting to the ears(or eyes).

 

[foodcritic]

The Gospel tells us that Jesus was whipped, mocked, spat-on, then crucified, so Jesus can take a hit, and people today calling Him names has no power against the strong and invincible Christ.

Jesus does not need nor want our protection from persons that call Him names and degradations today.

A person that insults God or Jesus is a person heaping coals onto their own head..

While this sounds almost right, you contradict most of what you have said in the past especially the

A person that insults God or Jesus is a person heaping coals onto their own head.

You deny hell and proclaim universal salvation all the time....

And I say Jesus does not need are protection.......obviously. He does require our testimony which validates his power, which in essence is a defense of his person as man and as God.

 

[Penn]

While this sounds almost right, you contradict most of what you have said in the past especially the

You deny hell and proclaim universal salvation all the time....

And I say Jesus does not need are protection.......obviously. He does require our testimony which validates his power, which in essence is a defense of his person as man and as God.

Is it possible that a Believer might undergo a Spiritual Change?

I've already stated that I do not always agree with VoteJp's past commentary, but this one sounded legit.

However, I will take what you have stated into consideration. Only time will tell if either one of us is in error.

But wait! Isn't that a human concept? We Sin, we can be wrong, and still love our Lord Jesus Christ. What to do - What to do?? j/k

 

[Starman3000m]

Is it possible that a Believer might undergo a Spiritual Change?

I've already stated that I do not always agree with VoteJp's past commentary, but this one sounded legit.

However, I will take what you have stated into consideration. Only time will tell if either one of us is in error.

But wait! Isn't that a human concept? We Sin, we can be wrong, and still love our Lord Jesus Christ. What to do - What to do?? j/k

Yes, a true believer in Jesus actually does undergo a spiritual change. For some it happens almost immediately - others take a bit longer as they learn to continually turn over all cares and concerns to the Holy Spirit's guidance. The sooner a person relinquishes control to God's Guidance the sooner a spiritual growth takes place and, thus, one begins to exemplify results of the fruit of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians, Chapter 5.

A good example is the spiritual transformation of the Apostle Paul when he had a complete change of heart. This is also being seen in the lives of Islamic terrorists when they begin to learn the real teaching of Jesus and are converted from hating their "enemies" which to them are all Jews, Christians, non-Muslims and apostate Muslims.

It is the Agape Love of God (As JP pointed out) that makes the difference and it is not something we can do of ourselves under our own strength. Only God can give that Agape Love and that is what results in a person's Spiritual Change with a renewing of the mind whereby we see others as God wants us to see them: In need of Salvation through the Atoning Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach) The Lamb of God.

The reality is that many people will still reject God's Invitation of placing faith in Jesus and believe they can save their own selves through belonging to a certain church/denomination and by their own "good works".

 

[VoteJP]

John Wayne + Rooster Cogburn + VoteJP = true grit.

While this sounds almost right, you contradict most of what you have said in the past especially the

You deny hell and proclaim universal salvation all the time....

Yes, I deny hell and yes everyone does get saved, and "heaping coals" on one's "own head" does not mean burning in torment.

The punishments of God are as a loving Father onto His beloved children, so the punishments from God are to teach righteousness and NOT for torment.

But that does not mean the punishments are fun or some-how without significance.

.

 

[Starman3000m]

Yes, I deny hell and yes everyone does get saved, and "heaping coals" on one's "own head" does not mean burning in torment.

The punishments of God are as a loving Father onto His beloved children, so the punishments from God are to teach righteousness and NOT for torment.

But that does not mean the punishments are fun or some-how without significance.

.

Hi JP,

Just curious as to what denominational/theological thought it is that you personally follow and which causes you to reject God's Divine Judgment that will be based upon who accepted and who rejected His Plan of Salvation. The Holy Bible makes it quite clear that there are two kind of people in this world as exemplified in the analogy of the wheat and the tares:
(Matthew 13:24-30)

Additionally, while humans are mortal and will each die one day, the Bible calls that the first death - and, yet for some there will be a second death:

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14-15)

It appears that not all people's names are going to be found written in the Lamb's Book of Life - therefore not all people will be saved as you have been taught to believe.

 

[VoteJP]

John Wayne + Rooster Cogburn + VoteJP = true grit.

Hi JP,

Just curious as to what denominational/theological thought it is that you personally follow ...

I have my own personal relationship with God and I do not belong to any group or denomination.

I do share some theological doctrines with every group of every kind but I do not share all doctrines with anyone.

Some how people get God and faith and their own religions wrong, so I like all religions of all kinds, but I do not like the orthodox teachings of the followers of each religion.

Like Jesus was great but Christianity is flawed, and I like the Quran but Muslims have it wrong, and Hindu has brilliant scriptures as in the Gita but the Hindu people have it mixed up, the Atheist are very intelligent in their doctrines but they miss the mark, and it seems to be that way in every religion and in every person.

I also very much like the Biblical Criticism link.

... and which causes you to reject God's Divine Judgment that will be based upon who accepted and who rejected His Plan of Salvation.

First is that I do very much believe in the "Plan of Salvation" but that plan includes saving all of humanity and the whole universe, and more importantly is that I totally reject the part that people have a choice of accepting or rejecting that plan.

We do have a choice today of accepting or rejecting God and sin but we all get saved whether anyone likes it or not.

Of course eventually everyone will love the salvation in due time.

The Holy Bible makes it quite clear that there are two kind of people in this world as exemplified in the analogy of the wheat and the tares:
(Matthew 13:24-30)

That is very true, but it means "in this world" and not after death.

People here and now in this world get separated as wheat and tares and we each pay for our sins now in this life time.

The "fire" as throwing the tares in the fire means the peoples have troubles and tribulations because of our wrongdoings just as we each reap great blessings when we do right.

Additionally, while humans are mortal and will each die one day, the Bible calls that the first death - and, yet for some there will be a second death:

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Death means "dead" and not eternal life in a hell. Death can not mean eternal life of any kind.

Hell means the grave, so death and the grave are cast into the lake of fire, because they are both destroyed dead - and death will be no more.

The New Testament tells us that the "second death" means "death to sin" see blow:

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. Link.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Note = "all" not some.

1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: Resurrection as not dead.

1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

The "second death" means that in this life or after the resurrection - people must die to sin, and dieing to sin means salvation in this life or in the next life.

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14-15)

The "lake of fire" means a way of cleaning and purification and not torture.

Hebrews 1:7 (and Psalms 104:4) ... Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. The fire represents ministers of God.

1 Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. The fire burns sin but the person is saved.

Revelations 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelations 17:15 ... The waters which thou sawest, ... , are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. So a lake is a small body of water.

The "lake of fire" is a small group of ministers to save people from their sin by making them dead to sin through the flames of the spirit of righteousness.

It appears that not all people's names are going to be found written in the Lamb's Book of Life - therefore not all people will be saved as you have been taught to believe.

People are not saved now in this world, and very few make it in this world, because this world is lost, but the plan is to save everyone on Judgment Day and thereafter.

Otherwise there would be no justification in raising the dead as we would just leave them dead. God is not going to raise people from the dead in order to burn and torture sinners.

The plan is for salvation, and that means saving everyone, and if anyone gets lost or left out then even one lost would mean that the plan of God had failed, and it is not going to fail.

.