How to Respond to Your Enemies by Bishop Edward Brink
In this lesson, we will explore how to deal with our enemies according to the teachings of the Bible. An enemy is someone we perceive as antagonistic, hostile, or unforgiving, and we may feel inclined to harm or ruin their reputation through slander and lies. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently. Let us discover the biblical wisdom on how to love and forgive our enemies, even in challenging situations.
Transforming Hate into Love: How to Respond to Your Enemies:
- Understanding Enemies and Their Source of Contention
Scripture Reference: Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Enemies are not merely people, but their actions are influenced by spiritual forces of evil. Recognize that our struggle is against these forces, not the individuals themselves. Refrain from becoming bitter, hostile, or vengeful towards others.
- Responding to Contention with the Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
The Holy Spirit produces qualities in our lives that combat contention. Cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those who belong to Christ have crucified their fleshly desires and should walk in the Spirit, avoiding conceit, provocation, and envy.
- The Command to Love and Pray for Enemies
Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:46-47 (KJV)
“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?”
Contrary to popular belief, we are instructed to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Love should extend beyond those who love us in return. By loving our enemies, we demonstrate that we are children of our heavenly Father, who shows kindness to both the righteous and the unrighteous.
- Seeking Reconciliation and Peace
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 16:7 (KJV)
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Examine your heart and evaluate your own attitudes and actions. Pray for forgiveness, not only for your own feelings but also to extend forgiveness to your enemy. Take the initiative to reconcile with your enemy, even if they refuse your attempts. Follow the guidelines outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 for resolving conflicts.
- Praying for Transformation and Overcoming Negative Thoughts
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
Pray for the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit in your life towards your enemy. Reject unproductive thoughts, such as unforgiveness and bitterness, by casting them down in the name of the Lord. Seek the transformation of your thoughts to align with the teachings of Christ.
Conclusion:
Dealing with enemies can be challenging, but as followers of Christ, we are called to respond with love and forgiveness. Remember that our struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can manifest the Fruit of the Spirit and demonstrate Christ-like love even in the face of contention. Let us seek reconciliation, pray for our enemies, and cast down negative thoughts, trusting that God’s Word will guide us in responding biblically to our enemies.
