Jesus didn’t tell us to like our enemies, that’s almost impossible. He told us to love our enemies. “Like” is a sentimental and affectionate word. It’s hard to like someone that has tried to hurt or destroy you! How can we like someone who is threatening our children or bombing our schools or homes? That’s impossible.
Jesus knew that love is greater than like. When Jesus said to love our enemies, He is speaking of understanding that there is redemptive goodwill for all people. Only by following this way and responding with this type of love are we able to show love. His amazing love!
In the classic book “None of these diseases” by S. I. McMillen MD shares the power of love. “Love is the one and only antidote that can save man from the many diseases produced by the emotions of our evil nature.” Dr. McMillen went on to say that when he would quote the Bible to patients who were suffering physically and mentally from a lack of love, some would argue that it’s tough to change one’s feelings from hate to love. That’s true, and many psychologists support that. The reason is that the human will does not have complete control over our emotions; however, psychologists also state that the will does have full control over our actions and actions change our emotions.
That is why Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them that use you and persecute you.” Notice the words: love, bless, do good and pray. All of these require action and action changes emotions. Or you can say motion effects emotion.
I’ve put together a series of messages with you in mind, called “Health and Wellness” I encourage you to download it now and get started seeing a new future.
