Some people want revenge on those who oppose them. The response can be silly pranks or end up in gun rage. The movies are full of films that glorify revenge. We like those sort of films. There is a poetic justice in our eyes. It gratifies our flesh.

1 – What is an enemy?

It is someone who in every way or any way has set themselves in opposition to your well-being. They want to hurt you. You may not be aware of it. It could be an old friend, neighbour, work colleague or even in the family. All opposition does not make them your enemy. An enemy is against your well-being.

2 – How do we get enemies?

It can happen for many reasons but these are the main ones:-

• We have committed some sin against our enemy. They have not forgiven us and want to exact revenge upon us.
• We have done something right. See Galatians 4:16. You may have told the truth and this makes them angry. They may not have wanted to have heard it.
• If you lead a life of conviction. If you stand up for what is right you will get enemies.
• You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. You are in the way of what another person wants and they hate you for it.

3 – How our enemies get us

You will destroy yourself if you seek to get even with your enemies. We are not to be the enemy of our enemy.

• They fill our minds with revenge. (vs. 38). It was a principle of government in the Old Testament for the punishment of crime. It had become a personal principle in the New Testament. This was wrong. It is the responsibility of government to punish crime. We are to love our neighbour as ourselves. This had been a principle in the Old Testament and is carried into the New Testament.
• They fill our hearts with hatred (vs. 43) – There is nothing quite as bitter as being bitter. You get better or you get bitter.
• They fill our lives with pain (vs. 44). They use you, to get you. You can’t just cut these people out of your lives.

4 – How to defeat our enemies (vs. 39)

Christians are not supposed to be “doormats” for people. We are not supposed to oppose or retaliate. We are not to take our own revenge. See Romans 12:17, Proverbs 20:22 & Leviticus 19:18. There are four pictures that are given to us:-

• Turn the other cheek – This is exaggeration to make a point. To slap someone in the face was an ultimate insult. See Acts 23:2-5. Paul was slapped in the face. He apologised. When Jesus was slapped in the face he did nothing. We are not to resist is someone upsets our dignity.
• Take away your tunic – This was prized procession and would be used only for bankruptcy. We are to meet our obligations. We are to pay back what we owe.
• Ask you to go one mile so go two – A Roman could force someone to carry their load for a mile. Don’t make an enemy out of someone over injury to your own rights. Jesus suffered injustice to his rights but didn’t retaliate. We let injustice go unless it is against us!
• Give to those who want to borrow.

Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. A helping hand to those who hinder you. You can overcome evil by doing good. We are to pray for our enemies. We don’t have to like our enemies. We have to choose to trust God and do what is right.

5 – The rewards of trusting God with my enemies

The rewards are:-

• Freedom from mine enemies – If you choose to hate your enemies they will always be with you. You will be an enemy. Matthew 5:11-12. There is a reward for those who treat their enemy’s right.
• Fellowship with the Lord – There is intimacy when we suffer as the Lord suffered.

Categories: Matthew