Who Are Our Enemies?
ICS Daily Devotions
Galatians 2:20 (Amplified) I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
We need to live a Spirit controlled life to overcome evil with good. Nobody can do it in their own strength because the flesh doesn’t want to do good but the exact opposite. In fact, it is precisely when the Holy Spirit asks us to do good that we don’t want to listen to Him but want to gratify what our emotions want and retaliate instead.
So, who are our enemies? On a daily basis, our enemies will be those we find difficult to love in moments of anger. You may be offended by their remarks, upset by them for perpetually being late, not or taking up their responsibilities or their roles. Basically, they are anyone who causes us to be defensive, angry, and gets our emotions stirred up the wrong way—from our spouse, children, parents, in-law’s, colleagues, to even our Uber drivers!
A good Biblical example of someone who loves their enemy is Joseph. He was sold by his siblings due to their jealousy, and endured hardship and imprisonment as a result. Eventually, God vindicated him, and he became the prime minister of the land whereas His brothers were suffering from the famine. Not only did Joseph not take revenge, but he even welcomed them to stay and enjoy all that he had after their father’s death. That’s love, kindness and doing good towards your enemy. Joseph’s love towards his siblings was sincere. He chose to bless instead of to curse, and to live peaceably rather than to take revenge. He prevented further evil by doing good, and instead of choosing to do evil, he broke the vicious cycle of evil in his family. Joseph has proven that he could choose to do good, possess the right attitude and be a man of character.
As for us, we have identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We no longer live for ourselves but for Him who died for us. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death. We can be different! Love is a lifestyle, so let’s practise it together:
Don’t be easily offended.
Don’t engage in a heated conversation to justify ourselves, only to make the matter worst. Walk away and let it go!
Walk in love, seek restoration, and pursue to be a peacemaker.
Forgive just as the Lord has forgiven us.
Extend grace because nobody is perfect till we go to heaven. We have a gracious God.
Never repeat the matter again.
Bless and pray for the person.
Sermon Series: You Can Do It
