My friend Stephanie opened a resale shop in a small town. She planned to funnel the proceeds to a ministry for unwed teenage mothers. Soon another secondhand store opened nearby. The owners of that store began buying Stephanie’s items and reselling them at higher prices. Stephanie knew it was underhanded, but she found that it allowed her to get to know them and tell them about Jesus. And God has prospered her business despite the actions of those who could be considered enemies.
This reminds me of Jesus’ words: “If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back” (Luke 6:29-30). In context with the rest of the passage, these principles show us how to relate with people who try to take advantage of us.
When I think about Jesus’ teaching on enemy relations, I feel some resistance in my spirit. I wonder why He asks us to humble ourselves in situations where others try to exert power over us. But, after thinking about it, I believe we’re to act this way because He’s big enough and good enough to take care of us, no matter what the enemy does. Trusting in His character helps us to honor His Word when it says, “Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God” (Romans 12:19).
Enemies antagonize. Their actions are often designed to distract us from our worship of God. Ironically, we can honor Him when we care for the people who make life hard for us. Loving our enemies demonstrates God’s goodness to them and to the rest of the world. For He “is kind [even] to those who are unthankful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). God provides what we need to love our enemies!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 4:16-30
More:
Read Romans 5:10 to learn about our status in relation to God—both before and after salvation. Read Proverbs 25:21-22 to see what can happen when we show kindness to people who mistreat us.
Next:
List your enemies, pray for them, and see what happens over time. Certain situations involving enemies require extreme caution. How can we show them God’s love from a distance?
Gary Shultz on June 23, 2015 at 7:17 am
I have always struggled and still do when people without any regard take advantage of others. It may be a dad or husband thing, not to say I enjoy it myself; however, protection often comes to the fore. So it would seem it takes great wisdom and great grace to know when to allow someone to press hard on all those preservation buttons. And as you indicate caution is required, it seem more and more. Evil explores unimaginable avenues to do it’s work. Ah, I need help and God gives wisdom. When to drop the guard and know when to take a few. Thanks
Winn Collier on June 28, 2015 at 3:20 pm
I get it, Gary. The call to justice and the call to mercy and forgiveness feel at odds sometimes.
tgustafs on June 23, 2015 at 7:31 am
Your friend Stephanie demonstrates a lot of grace! I could learn from that.
Tom Felten on June 23, 2015 at 8:38 am
Jen, I’m reminded of Jesus’ love for those who threatened and persecuted Him. His words, “Father, forgive them” are powerful reminders of what it means to imitate His loving ways in our lives!
rollingwoodfarm on June 23, 2015 at 9:30 am
It’s interesting that her “competition” became an enemy when they bought her merchandise from her. Could it not have been the Lord’s provision for the ministry to prosper to accomplish its purpose? It also provided the opportunity to talk to the “enemy” about Jesus.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on June 23, 2015 at 9:35 am
‘loving our enemies’ has to be one of the greatest human challenges Jen. It’s also one of the best ways for us to be ‘salt and light’ in our world – what better way to practically express the love of Jesus in our world than by choosing to love and work with those who’ve wronged us. I agree however that we do need wisdom and discernment in keeping healthy boundaries with people who have intentionally hurt us.
Mike Wittmer on June 23, 2015 at 9:12 pm
Last week a person came to mind and I thought how much I disliked them. Rather than ruminate on the reasons why, I chose to pray for them. I immediately felt better, and I believe God was honored. I wish I did that more often. If I did, then having enemies would lead to more intercessory prayer, and that can’t be bad.
Winn Collier on June 28, 2015 at 3:19 pm
Love of those with whom we have grave discord is one of the truest signs of the Kingdom at work, I believe.