Matthew 5:44 – But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Love your enemies is a very popular phrase by our Lord Jesus Christ. Loving your enemies is one the most difficult things to do. What does that mean? Most of us think that we should love everyone including all our enemies in a way that we couldn’t imagine and do. That we should love our neighbors and even our enemies like we love ourselves. But wait, I will you give some of the basic points how should we love our enemies.

In my understanding, we are not suppose to love everyone and anyone. Everyone knows that is not really possible. How can you really love someone whom you didn’t even meet and know? We teach our kids that they should never talk to strangers and should stay away from them. Only a fool parent would tell his/her child to talk to strangers and accept any thing a stranger will hand over.

We got different kinds of enemies. One of them are spiritual. Spiritual enemies should be treated differently as our enemies in flesh, personal enemies or strangers. They are real enemies that we shouldn’t be close with. We need to stay away from them. They are full of deceptions and evil works. They are clearly against the works of righteousness and the will of God. We are in a spiritual warfare thus, we are not friends with the enemies of God. Jesus Christ Himself knows that perfectly. He was a very strict teacher but loved His disciples dearly.  On the other hand, anyone who disobeyed Him and acted hypocritically received His damnation and rebuke.

1 Corinthians 5:13 – But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
2 John 1:7 – For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
2 John 1:10 – If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

Let us not interchange enemies with strangers.

Under no circumstances as a Christian, we are all obligated to help and care for everyone who is in grave danger. It does not matter if you knew him or not. If you have the chance to save someone’s life never hesitate. When it comes to life and death situations and other such related cases, we are suppose to give our support, cares and concerns to them as if we are the one who is in need. Look unto the parable of our Lord Jesus Christ about the good samaritan.

Luke 10:27 – And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

We should not have second thoughts of helping anybody who is seriously in need of our help. We need to act appropriately as needed by specific calling and situations.

What does it really mean by love your enemies?

Generally, enemies are not people you don’t know. They hate you for a reason. You hate them because you knew them and may have done something terrible to you. They are individuals that are special to you before. Mostly, they are the ones who are very close to your heart. Your best friend, a brother or an ex wife can be your worst enemy. People who can really hurt your feelings and can affect you in your daily life. They are usually the dearest in your heart but recently may have caused you some pain and heartaches. They are the people who knew you well including your weaknesses and sufferings in life. Like in movies, the mortal enemy is usually the person who is very close to the main character and that may really well apply to everyone in real life.

They maybe our enemies literally but in reality they are our love ones. We should do our very best to mend our relationship and bring back the love or concern that we once felt to them. Love your enemies. The most difficult things are the ones that give you the greatest rewards and blessings in life.

For complete KJV bible click here. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you today.