“Now these three remain: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
The greatest command we’ve been given is to love one another. Seems like it should be pretty simple right”? But we’re not only called to love those we’re “supposed” to love… The ones who we gladly love because they love us back. We’re also called to love our enemies. Yes, the ones who slander our names, treat us unfairly and gossip behind our backs.
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and do good to those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 NKJV
We don’t mind extending love when our family and friends are on the receiving end, even when we’re at odds with them. However, when we are petitioned to love those we have no affection for, it gets a bit more difficult. The word tells us it’s easy to love those who love us, but when we love our enemies, our reward will be great.
“But love your enemies, do good, and lend; hoping for nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons
of the Most High. For he is kind to the unthankful and evil.” Luke 6:35 NKJV
How can we love someone who is so hateful toward us? Most likely we don’t even believe they’re worthy of our friendship, let alone LOVE.
Thank goodness the word tells us exactly how we can love our enemies. When they speak ill about us, we are to bless them, find something kind to say in spite of their negative intentions. We are to do good to those who hate us. The ones who want us to know they don’t like us, and the ones who pretend to, but secretly hate us behind our backs. Our natural reaction is to turn our heads the other way when we see them out and about, but that’s not what love looks like. When we encounter our enemy, we should show them the love of Christ. Smile, nod, wave, even meet a need if they have one.
The greatest challenge and accomplishment is learning to love without conditions. It is by far the most powerful emotion and change agent at our disposal. We are human, so it won’t always be our natural reaction, but the more we exercise the gift of love the easier it will be to extend it to others…even our enemies.
As Valentine’s day approaches and the stores stock their shelves with heart shaped candies and beautiful floral bouquets, let us remember what love really looks like. It’s not only loving when it’s easy, but extending that same grace to the most unlikely recipients.
Little by little, the love you give has the power to melt the coldest of hearts. We can do our part in changing the world one person at a time, beginning with ourselves. It won’t always be easy. It will be a struggle to fight against your natural will to get to that place of compassion and obedience. But as I always say, hard doesn’t mean impossible. 
My hope is that you’ll find a way to spread a little love leading up to this Valentine’s day. Whether it’s your grumpy neighbor, a rude cashier, the PTA mom that you consider an enemy…find a way to show them what true love looks like. When you can give kindness without expecting anything in return, there’s no disappointment for their lack of reciprocation.
I’ll let you in on a little secret. Your enemy’s hatred toward you has absolutely nothing to do with you, and everything to do with something internal that needs to be worked out. When I mastered the art of not taking things personally, my life changed for the better. It’s not YOU, it’s THEM. Most importantly, it’s not our job to try to figure out why they hate us. We are simply called to love them anyway.
