Turning Enemies Into an Ally
Luke 6:27
"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,"
No matter who you are, how kind you are, or what kind of job you have, you will acquire enemies in your lifetime. There is no way you can do anything for God without getting someone upset with you. Sadly, I have watched people who were once good friends become bitter enemies. I have watched people who accomplished so much together become enemies. However, how you treat those who are your enemies is important for the sake of Christ. God tells us how we should treat those who become our enemies for the sake of turning them into an ally.
First, love your enemies. I know this sounds strange, but just because they are a bitter enemy doesn't mean that you can't love them. Remember, love is of God. When God loved the world He also loved His enemies. There are those who try to destroy everything that God is and wants, but God still loves them. As a Christian you are to love your enemies. Loving someone is a choice; therefore, you can choose to love those who fight against you. The reason you can love your enemy is because they are the one who chose to be your enemy. You didn't make a person your enemy, they chose to be your enemy. They consider themselves your enemy. Because this was their action and not yours, then you can choose to love them.
Second, do good to your enemies. Just because they mistreat you does not give you a right to mistreat them. As a Christian, you are not to fight people, but you are to fight sin. You can do good to them when they treat you wrongly. It is more important that you do right because you are supposed to than it is to treat them the same way they treat you.
Third, you are to be a blessing to your enemies. God commands you to bless your enemies. In other words, when you find a way to help them, do it. They may not want your blessings upon them, but they can't stop you from being a blessing. They may not understand it, but you must find a way to be a blessing to them so that they can have a good day.
Fourth, pray for them. The best way to change the heart of your enemy is to ask God to work on their heart. Christian, when is the last time you prayed in a positive manner about your enemy? Pray for God's protection. Pray for God to help them. Pray for God to allow a way that you can mend the fences. Ask God to help them do right. You don't have to preach at your enemy when you pray because God is the One Who works on their heart.
Verse 45 shows us that the reason we should treat our enemies right is because it reveals what our heart is like. If you have a good heart, then good will continually come for your heart even when you are not being treated right. How you treat your enemies shows what is truly in your heart. Your goal should be for God to turn your enemy into your ally. The best way to do that is to follow God's advice on how to treat your enemies.