News Health: Is labeling people “enemies” a problem?

Happy Sunday,

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them... But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.”

-Jesus (Luke 6:32, 35)

Isn’t calling people “enemies” part of the problem?

Almost every time I use the phrase “love your (political) enemy,” I receive pushback that labeling other children of God as the “enemy” is causing further division. I appreciate the heart behind this criticism and would consider changing the phrasing, except “enemies” is Jesus’s language, not mine. 

So… take it up with Him. Mic drop

Jesus acknowledges that we do have enemies—people who oppose truth and should not be our touchstone for what is right, noble, good, and pure—but then commands us to treat them the same way we treat our neighbors. It doesn’t cause division because it makes our relationship with someone irrelevant. Friend or enemy, our response should be the same: love.

Labeling someone as an enemy actually serves as a reminder for me to run towards them when avoidance is preferable, and to pursue them with kindness when rudeness feels more natural. 

So, no. Labeling people as enemies is not the problem, as long as it’s paired with Jesus’s command to love. It’s a reminder not to waver in my convictions when someone is opposing what is right, and a challenge to pursue those people with love anyway.

Here’s your homework: list out a few of your own enemies, then find (practical) ways to display Christ’s love to them this week.

What do you think?
Jason

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