Loving our enemies can sometimes feel as idealistic as instantaneous world peace. Still, Jesus showed that caring even for those who persecute us is a real, actionable mandate we can carry out by following His example. The paradoxical kingdom truth is that the way to deal with an enemy is to do him good, which in turn does us good. By loving our enemies, we witness Christ to them.

 

Put It into Practice: List people you have considered enemies, rivals, or opponents. Examine the reason why each made your list. In prayer, forgive them, and ask God to bless them in the way you were hurt. If he did not love you as he should, pray a blessing that he would be loved in every way; if envy caused her to lash out, bless her with contentment and joy. 

 

Day 1       Luke 6:27-36 

Reflect: Consider the ways that Jesus says we are to love our enemies.  What does this look like practically today? What do you think is most often at the heart of people becoming enemies?   

Apply:  When have you loved an “enemy” in your life?  What happened and what did you learn? Do you need to help someone overcome an “enemy” situation? How will you approach it?

Pray:    Father in my own strength, I can’t love those who hate and despise me. By Your grace, help me to make the right choices so that others may see Your goodness through my actions.

 

Day 2     2 Kings 6:21-23 

Reflect: The paradoxical kingdom truth is that the way to deal with an enemy is to do him good. How do you see that in this text? What are the benefits to you and them for doing so?      

Apply:   Has your showing kindness to an enemy ever resulted in the person feeling humbled, regretting their actions, and/or repenting? Has it happened to you? (Think: killing with kindness.)   

Pray:    Lord, help me to see beyond my fears and respond with compassion towards those who may seem like my adversaries. Open my eyes to see the unseen realities around me, trusting in Your strength and guidance in every circumstance.

 

Day 3      Luke 23:32-38 

Reflect: What do you learn about and from Jesus in this passage? Why did the people in this text consider Jesus an “enemy”? When have you used Jesus’ words in verse 34?       

Apply:   When have you joined in to ridicule, mistreat, or mock a supposed enemy? Why is it easy to do? Do you consider a person or a group an enemy because of others’ experiences, instead of your own? 

Pray:     Lord Jesus, saturate my life with the Holy Spirit’s power to release any unforgiveness, thoughts of revenge, or hateful emotions toward others. Empower me to bless, to love, and to pray for them.

 

Day 4      Romans 12:9-21 

Reflect:  Which of Paul’s directives are you currently practicing and which do you need to embrace? What would it sound like to turn a curse into a blessing over an enemy? 

Apply:    Why is acting in revenge frowned upon?  What would change if you began to see having enemies and holding on to unforgiveness is partnering with the evil one, instead of God?    

Pray:      Father, may Your love fill me to all fullness and flow through me to others. May my love be without hypocrisy as I abide in Christ and He in me.

 

Day 5      Romans 5:6-11   

Reflect: What does it mean to be considered an “enemy” of God? Why do you think Paul uses this kind of language? How does this passage influence our perspective of having human enemies? 

Apply: How can understanding our reconciliation with God through Christ impact how we interact with others, even our enemies? How may our actions bring an enemy to Christ?   

Pray:   God, I claim this promise of reconciliation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to live a life that reflects Your love and grace, and to share this good news with others.