Love Your Enemies — The Most Disobeyed Commandment of Jesus by Christians
Text: Matthew 5:43–44 (ESV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Introduction: A Command That Cuts Deep
Among all the commands Jesus gave, none is more radical, more uncomfortable, and more disobeyed than “Love your enemies.” This isn’t just a call to civility or tolerance — it is a divine summons to supernatural love that goes against every instinct of the flesh. While many Christians proudly uphold the commands not to kill, steal, or lie, this command remains widely neglected, ignored, or watered down.
Why? Because it asks us to do something that feels impossible. It asks us to surrender our pride, our vengeance, our rights to justice — and instead, to extend love to the very people who hurt us.
But if we claim to follow Christ, we must take seriously what He says, especially the hard parts.
1. Jesus Was Clear — No Exceptions
Jesus didn’t suggest we love our enemies — He commanded it. The Greek word used for “love” here is “agapao” — unconditional, active love. This is not about liking our enemies or feeling warm toward them, but choosing their good, praying for them, forgiving them, and seeking reconciliation.
Jesus goes further:
“Pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
Not only must we not hate them, not retaliate — we must intercede for them. This is hard. It means blessing the one who slanders you. It means praying for that ex-spouse who betrayed you. It means loving the political enemy, the abuser, the racist, the corrupt — not excusing their sin, but refusing to answer hate with hate.
2. The Early Church Took This Seriously
In the early centuries, when Christians were being fed to lions, burned alive, or crucified, they still loved their enemies. Consider:
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Stephen, as he was being stoned, prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60)
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Jesus Himself, nailed to the cross, bleeding and mocked, said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
This wasn’t weakness. This was divine strength. It wasn’t passive surrender — it was the power of heaven on display.
3. Why Christians Today Disobey This Command
a. We Confuse Justice with Vengeance
We believe our enemies deserve punishment. And maybe they do. But vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19), and He calls us to something higher: to forgive as we have been forgiven.
b. We Prioritize Politics over the Gospel
In a polarized world, we are tempted to demonize those who vote differently, think differently, or challenge our values. But Christ did not die for Republicans or Democrats — He died for sinners. Loving enemies does not mean agreeing with them — it means refusing to let hate rule your heart.
c. We Love Comfort More Than the Cross
Loving enemies is painful. It requires dying to self, letting go of grudges, humbling ourselves. But Jesus said, “Take up your cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
4. The Cost of Disobedience
Disobeying this command rots our witness. It makes Christianity just another religion of tribalism. When the world sees Christians bitter, vengeful, canceling others, slandering enemies — they don’t see Christ.
1 John 4:20 says:
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar.”
How many Christians today claim to love Jesus, yet harbor hatred, racism, political disgust, family grudges — even while taking communion?
5. The Power of Obedient Love
Loving your enemy does more than just obey Jesus — it sets you free. Hatred is a prison. Unforgiveness is poison. But when you love, you break the cycle.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
This love breaks generational curses. It heals marriages. It reconciles nations. It transforms hearts. It can soften even the hardest enemy.
And it transforms you. As Jesus said:
“That you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:45)
6. How Can We Love Our Enemies?
a. Remember You Were Once God’s Enemy
Romans 5:10 — “While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.”
You are not asked to do anything Jesus didn’t already do for you.
b. Pray for Your Enemies Daily
Start praying for the person who hurt you. Not for them to be punished, but to be healed, forgiven, changed. It will transform your heart.
c. Ask the Holy Spirit for Help
This love is not natural — it is supernatural. Ask for grace, strength, and humility.
d. Let Go of Vengeance
Give your hurt to God. Trust His justice. Forgiveness is not saying “it’s okay” — it’s saying “I’m giving this to God.”
e. Be Willing to Reconcile (When Safe)
Reconciliation may not always be possible, especially in cases of abuse or violence, but when it is safe and possible — pursue peace.
Conclusion: Love Is the True Test of Christianity
Jesus said,
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
But the real test is not how we love our friends — it’s how we love our enemies.
The Church doesn’t need more power, wealth, or influence — it needs more Christlikeness. A Church that truly obeys this command will shake the gates of hell.
Let us repent. Let us stop excusing hate, bitterness, and grudges. Let us walk the narrow path of Calvary love.
To love your enemies is not weakness. It is the most courageous, most divine thing you can do.
A Final Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, help us to obey You in what is hardest. Soften our hearts. Break our pride. Teach us to love like You loved us — when we were Your enemies. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, that we may shine as children of our Father in Heaven. Amen.”
