Love Our Enemies – Why?

Today I wrote to our CMA pastor in Pakistan. They are suffering persecution every day.

It's easy to focus on the battle and forget that God is still in control. We need to remember that He has asked us to love our enemies. But how can you love an enemy that is continually spitting in your face and tearing at your heart strings either physically or psychologically?  

 

We can't do it alone. We can't force people to love us. Only with the help of the Holy Spirit can we overcome the odds that are stacked up against us in this world. As our Lord says, "In this world you will have trouble but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Without His help it is impossible to deal with persecution. Without His love it is impossible to feel true love for our enemies. Sure, we care about the people who love us back, but as He said: in Luke 6: 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

So, why do we have to love our enemies? Because when we do, we open the door for God's love to flow into us and through us. When we have the desire to love even the unlovable, only then can we realize His true love for all of mankind.

As we write about other cultures we do not understand and read about other cultures we may not agree with, we remember His words and we have hope that some day we will live at peace in a world that recognizes that He is always in control.

In Escape the Hezbollah Joseph Rabbani never knew what his life would be like. His capture was a shock to him, his family and his friends. He resisted becomming the enemy. He gave up on God.

I say, hold fast. That's all I have for now.

Blessings,
Pola