What Makes Someone an Enemy?

In Luke 6:27–28, Jesus says:

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Most of us don’t have “enemies” in the classic sense—no one plotting against us in the shadows. But we do have people who rub us the wrong way. The coworker who takes credit for our work. The neighbor who constantly complains. The family member who won’t let the past go.

And sometimes, the tension comes because of your faith.

Jesus said,

“Blessed are you when people hate you… because of the Son of Man.” (Luke 6:22)

When you live for Jesus, not everyone will understand. Some may even push back. But Jesus calls us to love anyway.

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Love People Anyway

Loving your enemies isn’t about pretending they didn’t hurt you. It’s about choosing a better response.

It’s not fair—but it’s far better.

Forgiveness is not about fairness—it’s about freedom.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:7–8:

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God didn’t wait for us to get it right before He loved us. He loved first. And that’s our model.

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Give Your Enemies the Gospel

Here’s the hard truth: your enemy is not your enemy—they’re your mission field.

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 says,

“God reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

You are Christ’s ambassador. That means when you forgive, when you choose kindness, when you respond with peace instead of bitterness—you’re showing the world what Jesus is really like.

The ministry belongs to Jesus, but the message belongs to us.

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Forgiveness Reflects God’s Nature

When you love people who don’t deserve it, you reflect the heart of the Father.

Jesus said,

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.” (Luke 6:32–33)

Real love is proven when it’s hard.

Romans 12:18–20 tells us:

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone… Do not take revenge, but leave room for God’s wrath.”

Loving your enemies doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you—it means trusting God to handle justice and choosing to walk in grace.

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The Call to a Higher Way

Jesus didn’t just call us to believe in Him—He called us to live like Him.

And that means loving like He does—without limits, without revenge, and without keeping score.

When you forgive, you’re not excusing what happened. You’re choosing to move forward. You’re showing the world that grace is stronger than hate.

Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.

That’s not weakness—that’s power.