Nothing is easy when it comes to loving your enemies. Even for Christians, Jesus’ command feels heavy. Yet that is exactly where the difference between believers and the world is seen. True love is shown not only to those who are kind to us, but also to those who hurt us.
Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This verse is not merely a moral teaching, but a call to live at a higher level of love. The world teaches revenge, but Christ teaches us to respond with love. Why? Because that is what He Himself did on the cross.
When Jesus was hung on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This is the most radical love. In the moment of being hurt, He still offered forgiveness. This is the example the Lord wants us to follow.
Loving your enemies does not mean we must approve of their wrongdoing or allow ourselves to keep being hurt. Love from a biblical perspective often means giving what they need, not what they want. Sometimes our enemies need to be corrected rightly, sometimes they need space to change, and sometimes they simply need to be prayed for in silence.
Romans 12:20 says, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” This verse does not mean we look for a subtle way to get revenge, but it shows that true love can soften a hardened heart. Kind actions that come from sincerity can awaken others and may bring them back to the truth.
There are people around us who may be hard to love: a coworker who always puts us down, family members who often wound us with their words, or even an old friend who left deep scars. Yet, love is the most powerful medicine for healing wounds, both the wounds of others and the wounds within our own hearts. When we choose to love, we are also experiencing freedom from the root of bitterness.
Of course, this is not an instant process. It takes prayer, patience, and humility to truly do it. But when we choose the way of love, we are walking the path Christ walked.
Lord, You know who is hard for me to love. Help me to see them through Your eyes, not through my bitterness. Teach me to pray, to forgive, and to show love, even when it feels undeserved. Let Your love flow through my life. Amen.
