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How are we supposed to carry out the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:43-44? Can we make the case that he is only talking about those who persecute you because of your faith in Jesus? That is part of what Jesus says prior to this verse, but there is more to this “love your enemy” statement that must be considered.
Verses 45-48 gives more context, which seems to make clear that Jesus is telling us to love all of our enemies. For me, this is extremely difficult. I am a creature of politics and find it exceedingly difficult to love those maliciously hurting us for the purpose of pursuing their own power and glory.
But the words of Christ haunt me.
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We know that we are told elsewhere to turn the other cheek and love our neighbor (Matt 5:39; Lev 19:18; James 2:8; Luke 6:27), but why would Jesus and the other writers in the Bible tell us that? We can clearly see the reason in Matt 5:48 - “Therfore, you are to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
But our flesh wants revenge. We want to be vindicated for the lies told about us. We want justice delivered to those who rule over us with an iron fist, and ignore the plain teachings of the Bible. Mercy and grace for our enemies? For those who hate us?
Yes. That is our call. I’m not writing this to make a case against “just war,” because there has been much ink spilled explaining that already. My concern is with our personal holiness. Are we prepared to pray for the lost; those who do not know the Lord?
Are we prepared to love the political class that hates us, and daily plans for ways to subdue us, conquer us, and control us? More importantly, am I prepared to surrender to the words of God in Holy Scripture? I need to be.
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Loving our enemies does not mean agreeing with them at all. True love means we will pray for them and do everything in our power to lead them to Christ. This world is temporary, and we are but a mist on it. Some are called to be involved in politics and government in a capacity that allows them to affect change, but most of us are not. We are however called to make disciples and preach the Gospel.
The Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Roman 1:16). That is real power. That is power that changes people. Threatening a revolution will not bring a crooked politician to heaven, though it may make you and I feel better.
Our purpose on earth is to make disciples of all nations - not start revolutions. We need to pray for a revival in this nation and around the world. The Bible teaches that the time of the Gentiles is a specific period, and once it is over, God will turn back toward the Jew (Luke 21:24).
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That means there will be a day when Gentiles - those who are not Jews - will no longer be given the opportunity to receive Christ. We don’t know when it will happen, but we are certain it will. While there is time, let us (me) turn our anger against those who hate us into prayers for their salvation. I know I would be much happier seeing lost politicians praising Jesus, instead of serving time in hell.