Let’s dive into a topic that’s as profound as it is challenging: the idea of loving your enemy. Yeah, I know, sounds like a quote from a motivational poster. It’s also something your grandma would crochet into a throw pillow. But hang tight. Despite sounding cliche, there’s a serious depth to this message that we can all learn from.

Hate is Like Quicksand

So, what does it really mean to “love your enemy?” It means not to hate your enemy. Don’t try to overcome evil with evil, but overcome it with good. At first, loving your enemy seems like some cosmic joke or an invitation to be a doormat. But let’s unpack this. Loving your enemy isn’t about sending them friendship bracelets or throwing a surprise party in their honor. Nope! It’s about not letting hate consume you. It’s about recognizing that when you hate someone, you’re giving them power over you.

When you feel anger rising when thinking about someone who has wronged you, you’re engaging in a losing battle. Hate is like quicksand—thrilling at first, but it pulls you under before you know it. Instead of playing into that chaos, let’s take a page from the book of divine law. It tells us that we should not hate one another; we should love each other instead. It’s about keeping your heart free from the toxic grip of resentment.

Recognize the Spirit

Now, you will be wondering—how do we transition from those fiery feelings of anger to a place of compassion? Believe it or not, most of us are not our best selves all the time. Often, people are driven by fears, traumas, or even just plain bad days. When confronted with a cruel or unkind person, try to see them as a victim of their own inner battles. We’re all flawed beings doing our best in a messy world. The moment you fully realize that everyone is suffering from this flaw, there can be no more resentment.

Recognize the spirit behind the actions. Don’t hate the unkind person. Instead, abhor the spirit that has taken hold of him which is the spirit that has tempted you to hate. Don’t feel an emotional judgment towards evil. Love by not hating evil.

As the wise words go, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” It’s a little nudge to remind us. The person who hurt you isn’t fully aware of the havoc they’re wreaking. When we allow hate to creep in, we aren’t just hurting them; we’re ultimately harming ourselves. Hate tends to mirror back. Soon, you start embodying the very qualities you despised in your enemy.

Respond with Kindness

How do we “not hate” the person we feel negatively toward? It starts with a conscious choice to act with love by not hating. You don’t have to agree with them or their actions, but still hold onto a respect for their humanity. Instead of lashing out, respond with kindness or, at the very least, indifference. This is not to be a martyr or letting others walk all over you. It’s a strength move, one that asserts your dignity and keeps the spirit of negativity at bay.

Remember, you are being tempted to hate your enemy so that you will become influenced by them and their system. Don’t be tricked into breaking that divine law of love. Every challenge is a chance to become stronger, wiser, and more spiritual. Despite the ugly behavior of others, our capacity for goodness can shine even brighter.

By electing to love instead of hating, we’re not just taking the high road. We’re actively participating in the world’s healing. We declare ourselves free from the chains of hatred and division. We stand firm in love, regardless of the circumstances. In moments where it feels impossible, revisit the idea that everyone has the potential for both good and bad. We can choose not to dwell on the negative. By doing so, we treat our enemy not just as an adversary. We see them as a fellow traveler in this wild human journey.

In conclusion, loving your enemy isn’t just a fluffy sentiment to sprout during a feel-good moment. It’s a powerful declaration of resilience and compassion that speaks volumes. Let’s spread a little love around and challenge ourselves to let go of hate. In turn, this can create a ripple effect that can change hearts and lives.

So the next time you’re caught in the vortex of anger, remember: you can love your enemy. You do this not by embracing their actions but by refusing to allow those actions to harden your heart. Stay kind and keep those hearts open!

BP 211