Yesterday I shared notes on one part of a Bible seminar that my husband and I attended yesterday. Another part that was so eye-opening to me was on the topic - Reject the Teaching Hate Your Enemy. The scriptures were used to show that we are living in a time and in a society (world-wide) where violence and hatred of others is rampant. The talk was based on Jesus words in Matthew 5:43, 44. This was after he gave his famous Sermon on the Mount. He was teaching the crowd before him something very important (and something we also need to take to heart), “You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you.” Though Im sure we have heard this before, as I have, I never reflected on it too much. I take the violence in the earth for granted. I dont think of myself as a violent person. However because from the time we could watch TV we have seen us against them scenarios, revenge movies, good guys who use violence to beat the bad guys. Mental food that for some, including me, has insulated our brains against recognizing that Hate Your Enemy concept as un-Biblical. It is something to really give serious thought to and prayer. It was pointed out that since Satan is the ruler of this world (Luke 4:5-7; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11;1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:9) he has used the media to promote violence and hatred. Even in cartoons. Other Bible references: Luke 6:27, 28, “But I say to you who are listening: Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you.” Acts 7:60 “Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” What Stephen said when being stoned to death. Romans 12:14 “Keep on blessing those who persecute; bless and do not curse.” 2 Timothy 2:23-25, “Further, reject foolish and ignorant debates, knowing that they produce fights. For a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, showing restraint when wronged, instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth,” God hates violence and those who love it. Genesis 6:11 “Earth filled with violence” which lead to cleansing the earth by means of global flood. Psalm 11:5; “The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.” Proverbs 16:29, “A violent man entices his neighbor. And leads him in the wrong way.” And there are many other scriptures from cover to cover that lay it out: Love your enemy. Pray for him. Do not hate him. Isaiah 48:17,18 This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. Conclusion: Christians need to reject the teaching of Hate Your Enemy. This is done by study & meditating on the Bible, prayer, and associating with others who are trying to apply Bible principles in their lives.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 11:22:51 +0000
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