Biblical Answer

Understanding Jesus' Command to Love Our Enemies

Jesus' command to "love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44) is often misunderstood as a call to love our enemies in the way we typically understand love. However, Jesus is referring to the verb form of love, which means a decision to do something in spite of how we feel. This is a decision to prioritize God's love and will above our own emotions and desires. Jesus is not advocating for a sentimental or emotional love, but rather a deliberate and intentional choice to act in accordance with God's character and will.

The Nature of Love in the Bible

In the Bible, love is not just an emotion, but a decision to act in accordance with God's character and will. This is seen in Jesus' own life, as He demonstrated persistent love towards His enemies, even to the point of death on the cross. This love is not limited to our friends and family, but is to be extended to all people, including our enemies. As God Himself demonstrates love towards His enemies by sending His Son to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8-10), so too are we called to demonstrate this same kind of love towards others.

Prioritizing God's Love

Jesus' command to love our enemies is not a call to hate or prioritize our own relationships over others, but rather to prioritize God's love and will above our own emotions and desires. This means that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as ourselves, including our enemies. As we prioritize God's love and will, we will be transformed to act in accordance with His character and will, even in the face of adversity or opposition. This is the kind of love that Jesus commands us to demonstrate towards others, and it is a love that is characterized by persistence, relentlessness, and a commitment to act in accordance with God's will.