LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

"Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that," (Martin Luther King, Jr.). 

In the Sermon on the Mount's sixth and final contrast on righteousness, Jesus teaches about love (5:43-48). In the political climate of our country and a world with war breaking out on multiple fronts, it is a message very needed today. Jesus wants the righteousness of His followers to exceed that of the Pharisees. So, the Lord commanded His people to love their neighbor (Lev. 19:18), but the Pharisees added the phrase, "And hate your enemy." Nowhere in the Hebrew scriptures did it say to hate enemies. Notice what Jesus teaches instead in Matthew 5…

Love Your Neighbor (5:43). The parable of the Good Samaritan will answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?" Nevertheless, the Jews should have known. "Neighbor" and "friend" come from the same Hebrew word! It had nothing to do with proximity to your home. Do you come into contact with them at the grocery store, at the office, or elsewhere? If so, they are your neighbor. Everyone around us in our community is our neighbor! Everyone that comes into our lives is our neighbor. We must love each other. No matter what side of the track we live on, skin color, social status, political party, or any other standard we use to divide ourselves. Jesus calls for righteousness by God's standard. How can we be like God? Love.

Love Your Enemies (5:44-45). It is "agape" love used here. This is the self-sacrificing love that seeks the best for others over self. When it comes to enemies, we must do all we can to bring out the best for them! He does not use the friendship/brotherly love word. God is not calling on us to do the unrealistic. I can love my enemy even if we never become best friends (Rom. 12:10). He says we are to pray for our persecutors. We are to show kindness to all men. That is what God does, and we must do likewise if we are to follow Him.

It is easy to love those who love us. God's righteousness demands that we go "above and beyond." Since God loves everyone, we must love everyone. And in the process, who knows what doors we might open to teaching them about Jesus! I love you, and God does too!

Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. Do not forget to "fall back" one hour Saturday night! And we will see you on time Sunday morning!