Why we have to Love our enemies?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Eleventh Week:  Tuesday*

*Gospel :  Mt 5:43-48*

*First Reading : 1 Kings 21:17-29*

*Responsorial Psalm :  51: 3-16*

*Why we have to Love our enemies?*

*1) Loving an enemy is not the same as approving of evil*

Jesus is not saying that injustice is good, that abuse should be tolerated, or that wrong actions should be ignored.

Love in this context means willing the good of another person—even when they have wronged you. You can oppose someone's actions, seek justice, set boundaries, and still refuse to hate them.

For example, praying that a person changes, repents, or becomes a better human being is an act of love without approving of their behavior.

*2) Hatred tends to imprison the one who hates*

When someone hurts us, resentment can occupy our thoughts for years. We relive conversations, imagine revenge, and carry emotional burdens.

Loving an enemy can be understood as refusing to let another person's wrongdoing control your inner life.

The benefit is not merely moral; it is also psychological and spiritual. Forgiveness and goodwill often bring freedom from bitterness.

*3) It imitates God's way of loving*

Jesus immediately points to God: He makes his sun rise on the evil and the good.

God's generosity is not limited to the deserving. Rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous.

The idea is that Christians are called to reflect God's character. Loving only those who love us requires little transformation. Loving enemies reflects a deeper participation in divine love.

*4) Love can break cycles of retaliation*

Most conflicts grow because each side answers injury with injury. One insult leads to another. One act of revenge creates another.

Enemy-love interrupts that cycle. It does not guarantee reconciliation, but it prevents us from contributing further hatred.

This theme appears throughout the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth, especially in his forgiveness of those who crucified him.

*5) Every enemy is still a human being*

One reflection from many Christian thinkers is that we often reduce enemies to a single action or label. 

Jesus challenges people to see beyond the offense.

An enemy may be: mistaken, wounded, fearful, influenced by circumstances, capable of change.

This does not erase responsibility, but it preserves the recognition of their human dignity.

*6) Love of enemies transforms the disciple*

Perhaps the deepest purpose is not changing the enemy but changing ourselves.

Anyone can love a friend. Loving an enemy requires: patience, humility, self-control, trust in God, freedom from vengeance.

The practice shapes character. In that sense, Jesus' command is less about feelings and more about becoming a certain kind of person.

*7) Points to Ponder*

I do not have to like my enemy.

I do not have to trust my enemy.

I do not have to permit harmful behavior.

But I refuse to desire their destruction or hate them.

Instead, I pray for their good and seek what is right.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim D'Souza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*