Love Your Enemies
Life Lessons from the Gospel of Matthew
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” —Matthew 5:44 (NLT)
Loving those who love us back feels natural. But when Jesus tells us to love our enemies, it feels almost impossible. The idea of showing kindness and compassion to those who hurt or oppose us runs contrary to everything the world teaches. Yet, this is one of the most radical teachings of Jesus—to love, not just tolerate, those who mistreat us.
What Does It Mean to Love Your Enemies?
Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:44 is more than just a call to be polite or civil. It’s a call to love with the same sacrificial, unconditional love that God shows us.
Loving your enemies means seeking their good, even when they seek your harm. It’s praying for them, blessing them, and doing good for them—not because they deserve it, but because God has called us to a higher standard of love.
It’s important to understand that loving your enemies doesn’t mean excusing their behavior or allowing yourself to be mistreated. Loving them is about your heart posture—it’s about extending grace, even when grace isn’t given in return.
Why Is It So Hard?
Our natural response to those who hurt us is often anger, resentment, or a desire for revenge. The idea of loving someone who has wronged us feels unfair. But Jesus challenges this way of thinking by reminding us that God’s love for us is undeserved, too. In Romans 5:8, Paul writes:
“But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (NLT).
We were once enemies of God, yet He loved us enough to offer His Son. When we grasp the depth of God’s love for us, even when we didn’t deserve it, it becomes possible—though still difficult—to extend that same love to others.
Biblical Example: Jesus on the Cross
The most profound example of loving your enemies is seen in Jesus Himself. As He hung on the cross, suffering from the brutal treatment of the Roman soldiers and the rejection of His own people, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NLT).
In the face of unimaginable pain and injustice, Jesus chose to respond with love and forgiveness. This is the ultimate expression of loving your enemies. He didn’t wait for an apology or a change of heart from those crucifying Him—He loved them right where they were.
Practical Ways to Love Your Enemies
Loving our enemies may seem impossible, but with God’s grace, we can take practical steps toward obeying this command:
Pray for them: Jesus specifically instructs us to pray for those who persecute us. When you pray for your enemies, your heart begins to soften toward them, and God can work in both their lives and yours.
Forgive them: Holding onto bitterness or anger only harms you. By choosing to forgive, you release yourself from the prison of resentment. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing their behavior, but it does mean entrusting justice to God.
Show kindness: Look for opportunities to do good for your enemies. This could be something as simple as offering a kind word or helping them in a moment of need. As Paul reminds us in Romans 12:20, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink” (NLT).
Reflect on God’s love for you: When loving your enemies feels impossible, take time to reflect on how God loves you. Even when you were far from Him, He pursued you with relentless love. Let that be the foundation of your ability to love others.
The Power of Loving Your Enemies
When we choose to love our enemies, we break the cycle of hatred and retaliation. Loving our enemies not only transforms our hearts but also has the potential to transform the hearts of those we’re called to love.
Consider the words of Martin Luther King Jr., a Christian leader and advocate for nonviolent resistance:
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” [1]
This kind of love goes beyond human ability—it reflects the supernatural love of God, a love that has the power to change lives.
Key Takeaway
Loving your enemies reflects the heart of God, who loved us while we were still His enemies. It’s a call to show grace, even when grace isn’t deserved.
Practical Step
Identify someone who has hurt you or opposed you in the past. Take time this week to pray for them, asking God to help you love them in practical ways.
Reflection Question
What is one practical way you can extend love to someone who has hurt or wronged you?
[1] Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1981), 47.