by Jimmy G

Created on: September 05, 2009   Last Updated: September 06, 2009

Love Thy Enemy

You will find the same intentions in all the major religions. But, what makes Jesus' saying very powerful is the explicit word, 'enemy'. The 'enemy' evokes an image. It hardens anybody's heart, and limits his ability to be compassionate. Many reflective Christians, however, believe that loving one's enemy brings one closer to being an image of God. It is a very difficult task, yet it promises one to a true understanding of what means to love and to be compassionate, and to being charitable. This paper studies the close relationship between these values and loving one's enemy. This paper will also show that the sincere attempt at loving one's enemy, whether or not the 'enemy' reciprocates, compels the lover to re-evaluate his original understanding of love, compassionate, and charity.

It is 'natural' to be 'emotionally attached' and to co-exist in harmony with those who share the same basic views of about everything and anything that makes life livable and intelligible. At this stage of relationships, one is not compelled to reflect on the nature of one's relationship with the similar others. But when asked what makes him like this or that person, he takes a brief moment of recalling those 'happy' events with the others. And, invariably and effortlessly, he will say that those events are unforgettable and cherished, because they make him happy. Friendship and friendly relationships are those in which the individual is happy to be in. Just in every rosy relationship, there are thorns to contend with. Some differences between friends will certainly crop up and cause heartaches to both friends. But, if they value their friendship, they will make certain sacrifices and reach an agreement in order to save the relationships. This is rendered possible because, from the very beginning, they were friends.

This is not to say that some friends do not become archenemies. The differences are too much for either party to stomach, such that reconciliation is impossible or decided to be impossible. Former friends have made a pact to become enemies 'forever'. In this relationship, in the intensity of consummate hatred, there is no chance for one to reflect on how hatred affects him as well as his enemy. Self-reflection, more so, self criticism, is banned. It is not to be entertained. It cannot be entertained. It is not enjoyable as 'forgiving' a friend, from and with whom one can still be entertained. Forgiving an enemy, therefore, is a non selfish act in

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