How To Treat An Enemy
The Apostle Paul tells the Romans (quoting Prov. 25:21), “If your enemy is hungry, feed him’ if he is thirsty, give him a drink” (Rom. 12:20). Often, the best way to get rid of an enemy is to treat him as a friend. This, of course, applies to those who have slighted or hurt us personally, not to those who are the avowed enemies of the cross. “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [of Christ], do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (II Jn. 1:10-11). But with certain necessary exceptions, here is how to treat an enemy:
- Love him, and be kind to him (Matt. 5:44; Lk. 6:27, 35)
- Bless him, and desire the best for him (Matt. 5:44; Lk. 6:28)
- Do good things for him (Matt. 5:44)
- Pray for him (Matt. 5:44; Lk. 6:28)
- Lend to him without obligation or expectation of return (Lk. 6:35)
- Be merciful to him (Lk. 6:36; Rom. 12:17-21)