enemies

““You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭44‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is interesting that the law said to hate enemies. Perhaps it was differentiating between neighbours and enemies. Or perhaps enemies were not mentioned?

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”Leviticus‬ ‭19‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Perhaps the law has been changed by the Pharisees, or was it written elsewhere? Psalm 137 speaks of revenge:

“O Lord, remember what the Edomites did on the day the armies of Babylon captured Jerusalem. “Destroy it!” they yelled. “Level it to the ground!” O Babylon, you will be destroyed. Happy is the one who pays you back for what you have done to us. Happy is the one who takes your babies and smashes them against the rocks!”Psalms‬ ‭137‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The fact that Jesus said the saying, it must have been common in His day. He was countering the natural inclination for revenge. Revenge is alive and well. Praying for our enemies is a part of laying down our lives and taking up the cross. So, pray for your enemies, don’t hate them and want revenge. Amen!