How to Love Our Enemies
This concept (command, not choice) can seem difficult for many of us to understand and put into practice. However, it is possible to cultivate (with the help of The Holy Spirit) an attitude of love even towards those not in harmony with us.
The first step to loving our enemies is understanding that all humans possess the exact basic needs and desires - we all want to feel safe, loved, and respected. Recognizing this similarity between ourselves and our enemies makes it easier to empathize (not comprise) with them and consider their perspective in difficult situations (other than the Essentials of our Faith).
It also helps to remember that we should treat others as we want them to treat us. Caring for our enemies is not easy, but necessary to create a peaceful and harmonious society. Therefore, we should treat our enemies with Grace, speaking kindly even when they are wrong and understanding that everyone makes mistakes.
Note: You can speak kindly, with Grace, and never compromise what you believe, be intimidated, or have to apologize.
Finally, we must remember that love comes from within us and must be rooted in love if we want to extend it to others. Developing Christ-love can help build compassion for those around us, including our enemies.
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).
Loving our enemies may not be easy, but it is a powerful and important step in creating a better world. So may we find the strength to Forgive and extend our Christ-like love to everyone, including those who have wronged us.
Amen.
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