In Luke 6 there is a passage that tells us how we are to love our enemies (vs 27-36). The last verse in that passage sums it up. “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” [NKJV]
If that were the only passage about loving our enemies we might be able to ignore it – but it’s not. There are more.
We are to practice always the tenderhearted merciful attitude of our Father God to everyone. The word mercy means we are to be compassionate, having the same deep pity God has for people who look to Him for help in their difficult situations.
We are to do this because we have been chosen and loved by God Himself. “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” [Colossians 3:12-13 NLT]
God loved us when we were still sinners. Our Father sent His beloved Son to die for us while we were His enemies. [Romans 5]
If the LORD God Almighty was willing and eager to do that for us, how should we be to our “enemies?”
