Why do You tell us to love those who hate us?

Loving Our Enemies: A Call to Radical Grace

Jesus' command to love our enemies is one of the most challenging teachings in the Bible. In Matthew 5:44, He says, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” In a world where division often reigns, this instruction can feel almost impossible. Yet, Jesus’s words are not mere suggestions; they are a radical invitation to reflect His love.

John: From Son of Thunder to Apostle of Love

To understand what loving our enemies looks like, we can turn to the example of John. He was one of the "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17), a nickname that reflected his fiery and impulsive nature. In Luke 9:54, we see this side of John when he and his brother James suggest calling down fire from heaven to destroy a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus. His response was fueled by anger and judgment, not love.

But John didn’t stay that way. Over time, as he walked with Jesus, John’s heart was transformed. By the time he wrote his letters, he had become known as the Apostle of Love. In 1 John 4:7, he urges believers to “love one another, for love is from God.” This shift did not happen overnight. It was the result of abiding in Christ, witnessing His compassion, and understanding the depths of God’s grace.

If John, who once wanted vengeance, could become a messenger of love, then we, too, can experience heart transformation. But how do we begin?

Practical Ways to Love Our Enemies

1. Pray for Them Jesus specifically commands us to pray for those who persecute us. Prayer changes our perspective. When we lift up our enemies in prayer, we surrender our bitterness to God and make space for Him to work. Consider Stephen, who, while being stoned to death, cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). His prayer echoed the heart of Christ, who on the cross said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

2. Choose Compassion Over Retaliation Romans 12:20-21 reminds us, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” This doesn’t mean ignoring injustice, but it does mean responding with kindness rather than vengeance. Choosing compassion can soften even the hardest hearts and open doors for reconciliation.

3. Practice Forgiveness Forgiveness is not about excusing wrongdoing; it’s about releasing the hold that resentment has on us. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Remember how Jesus forgave Peter after his denial (John 21:15-19). Peter’s failure was met with restoration and love, offering a model for how we can extend grace to others.

4. See Them as God Sees Them Every person, no matter how hurtful their actions, is made in the image of God. When we view others through this lens, we are reminded that they are not beyond redemption. Just as Paul, a former persecutor of Christians, was transformed by God’s grace (Acts 9), our enemies are also capable of change.

Embracing the Call

Loving our enemies is not about suppressing feelings of hurt or pretending that wrongs didn’t occur. It’s about choosing to respond in a way that reflects God’s love. This kind of love is countercultural. It requires humility, patience, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. But when we step into this calling, we experience the freedom that comes from releasing anger and walking in grace.

Call to Action: Think of one person you find difficult to love. Maybe it’s a coworker, a family member, or someone who has wronged you. Commit to praying for them daily. Ask God to soften your heart and help you see them through His eyes. Through prayer and obedience, may you experience the transformative power of loving your enemies, just as Christ loves us.