HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR ENEMIES?

 

In return for my love they accuse me, but I continue to pray. (Psalm 109:4)

Almost everyone has enemies. If our lives are vibrant for Christ, we will always have those in this life who oppose us. The Proverbs writer describes them as “accusers.” This would be in line with our ultimate Enemy, whom the Bible describes as the “accuser of the brethren who accuses them day and night” (Revelation 12:10).

Jesus said that those who hated Him would hate His followers. It seems that a bit of accusation should be expected for one who walks with God.

So, how are we to respond to those who accuse us?

CONTINUE TO LOVE

In return for my love, they accuse me (Psalm 109:4a)

The Psalmist indicated that the continual accusations from his enemy came in the face of his continual love. Some would think it impossible to be able, as Christ commanded, to “love your enemies.” And that would be true except for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.

When you became a true believer, the Spirit of God came to dwell in your heart, never to leave. We became one with God in this way. And the premier quality of God is love. “God IS love,” John said, and the love of God can be “spread abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit” in such a way that the fruit that comes from our Spirit-filled life is love (1 John 4:7-8; Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22).

I first learned this in the face of a wound from a bitter enemy. I knew I needed to forgive them, which I did by God’s grace. But there was more; I was called to love them. This seemed impossible until I humbly asked the Spirit to “shed abroad His love in my heart.” To my utter amazement, I was consumed with love for that person. The strength and power of this love shocked me, because it was so much greater than anything I could muster. My anger turned to pity and compassion for the deep needs of their life.

I have called on the Spirit to empower me with His love many, many times. And He has always proved faithful and sufficient.

“I can’t love them,” is our normal reaction, which is true. In your own strength, this is impossible. But who said this was about your strength?

And love doesn't mean that we never are called to confront our enemies and deal with issues. But there is a difference in confronting to destroy and courageously speaking the truth in love to help. Love may bring persecution, but God's love empowers us to survive and even thrive in persecution.

CONTINUE TO PRAY

… but I continue to pray (Psalm 109:4b)

There is nothing more powerful that I can do for myself and for my enemies than to pray, for prayer brings God into the equation. Prayer enlists all the resources of heaven, and prayer can do whatever God can do. If I never pray for that person, I am reduced to handling the confusing conflict of their accusations with my own mere resources. But when I pray, I call in all the resources of heaven.

Ask God to be your Defender and Protector. No one is better. Ask Him to intervene in your enemy’s life. He has no limitations to His love and no barriers to His work. He can impact their mind and heart and can open their eyes. He can thwart their attacks if needed. He can even graciously speak to them and gently call them to Himself and save them.

If you want to fight your battles by yourself, stay in the ring with your enemy. But if you desire a greater outcome, respond with a dependency upon the love of God within you and persistent prayer to our Almighty God. Nothing is more powerful.