Christians:Is It Possible to Love Your Enemy? (Jesus, followers)

[Godfather89]

You can only love your enemy when you put your own ego aside and being willing to make peace with them.

Originally Posted by Something I Wrote

Let it also be known that his teachings show that to show someone else how much you care for them you need to shake them around and get their attention. You see in human evolution there are two ways to describe response to unjust violence either fight or flight. Jesus offers the third new alternative called nonviolent resistance ... When Christ says to "Love Our Enemies" it is metaphorical and again sometimes to show love to your enemies is to make them uncomfortable with the actions they do to you. This puts the power in your hands even when they think it is in their. So when you bless your enemy even try to become friends with him you become a peacemaker and you catch the enemy off guard. This love does something good for them. Love for your enemy can be attributed to a tough love such as teaching a lesson without doing so vengefully. By making them come to terms with what they did they will seek forgiveness and even friendship from you.

[OMGelka]

Originally Posted by ChristineES

This question is mainly for Christians, but anyone else can answer,too, if they want to.

Jesus commands His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who harm them and persecute them. I am wondering if you find this possible to do. (for non-Christians, can you love your enemy?)

I admit I find it hard at times but once I start praying for my enemies it becomes easier. I am not just talking about Bin Laden or whatever but people who seem hostile that I have encountered.

I would ask of the christian community to start their love with homosexuals, as homosexual civil unions(the legal recognition of a couple, which provides them the rights of a married couple, i.e. their partner inherits their estate when they die, etc.) seems to be quite the issue among the republican party this year. i was a bit surprised when i saw how against it, the christian community was.

[ChristineES]

You needn't worry about me, I am not against legal civil unions at all. They would not effect me in the least.

[sandy whitelinger]

Originally Posted by OMGelka

I would ask of the christian community to start their love with homosexuals, as homosexual civil unions(the legal recognition of a couple, which provides them the rights of a married couple, i.e. their partner inherits their estate when they die, etc.) seems to be quite the issue among the republican party this year. i was a bit surprised when i saw how against it, the christian community was.

Loving a sinner is different than sanctioning their activity. It is unseemly, in my view, to select one particular sin, though, and and crusade so vociferously against it. Perhaps pornographic participation by those in the pulpit would be a more suitable and appropriate crusade.

[Yeshua_Lives]

It is essential for people to pray for their enemies. For Yeshua (Jesus pbuh) often prays for his enemies. He stands for good will toward others. His enemies would be those who oppose good will toward others. It is essential that people pray for those people who oppose good will toward others.

[Reverend Rick]

Kill them with kindness. The more loving and forgiving you are, the more revenge the Lord will apply to them. Revenge is mine said the Lord.

I am absolutely sure the Lord would not approve of homophobia either. We should treat everyone with kindness and understanding. Welcoming Gays and Lesbians any time you encounter them should be expected of a Christian.

Love the sinner hate the sin is the Christian mantra. We are not required to support same sex marriage, but railing against it is unchristian in my opinion.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by Yeshua_Lives

It is essential for people to pray for their enemies. For Yeshua (Jesus pbuh) often prays for his enemies. He stands for good will toward others. His enemies would be those who oppose good will toward others. It is essential that people pray for those people who oppose good will toward others.

Pray for Pat Robertson, then.

[Sunstone]

I think loving your enemies is more or less a matter of realizing there's more to people than whether they are or are not your enemies.

[sandy whitelinger]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

I think loving your enemies is more or less a matter of realizing there's more to people than whether they are or are not your enemies.

I believe it has a lot to do with what hate does to one's self as well.

[Yeshua_Lives]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Pray for Pat Robertson, then.

Better yet, Pray for the corrupt people. Pray that they may rid themselves of corruption.