What does it mean to love your enemies?
The idea of loving your enemies can be super confusing. It doesn’t mean you have to BFFs with someone who bullies you! Here’s a breakdown to understand what loving your enemies is really about:
Enemy? Not Your Biggest Fan!
Think of your enemy as someone who isn’t exactly your biggest fan, maybe someone who excludes you or says mean things. The Bible tells us to love these people (Matthew 5:44).
Love Doesn’t Mean Like:
Liking someone and loving them are different. Loving your enemy means wishing them well, even if you don’t like them. Here are some ways to show this kind of love:
- Be Kind: Maybe you can offer to hold the door open for them, even if they were rude to you earlier. This small act of kindness shows you care (Romans 12:21).
- Don’t Fight Back: If someone is mean, resist the urge to be mean back. Turning the other cheek shows you’re taking the high road (Matthew 5:39).
Story Time!
Sarah was always getting picked on by Maya at school. One day, Maya forgot her lunch and looked really hungry. Remembering about loving enemies, Sarah offered to share her sandwich. Maya was surprised but took a half. They didn’t become best friends, but Sarah showed kindness and maybe even planted a seed of friendship.
Love is About Hope:
Loving your enemy isn’t about pretending everything is okay. It’s about hoping they’ll change and maybe even become a friend someday. In the meantime, you can still treat them with kindness and respect (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
Remember: It’s not always easy to love your enemies! But by showing kindness and hoping for the best, you’re living according to what the Bible teaches and being the bigger person.
