I have so many beliefs, notions, and statements that do not sit well with me, no matter how people talk about and justify them. The one I will be talking about in this article is the statement that goes like this: "LOVE YOUR ENEMIES."
I know this came from the Bible, and it is what a lot of us grew up with and still believe in, but critically examining this concept, it does not sit well at all, especially in the wicked world we live in today. This is why I deeply appreciate the churches that preach against this, giving the advice that enemies with their wicked acts are not supposed to live; instead, they should die.
Mr. Eric was someone who was doing well in his workplace. He was earning very well and living comfortably, but he was yet to get married. He was taking his time to select a life partner that would suit his life better. Along the line, he met Anita, a beautiful lady who was also deeply interested in Mr. Eric.
During their courtship, Anita’s friend, who was jealous of her, tried every possible means to snatch Eric from Anita, but it did not work. Eric and Anita knew what was going on because Eric always informed Anita about the advances her friend was making, especially how she once tried to drug his drink with a love potion but was caught in the process. Anita’s friend begged for forgiveness, and she was forgiven.
When they got married, instead of keeping Anita’s friend away from their home, they welcomed her. She was coming to visit every now and then. They knew what she had tried to do before, which clearly made her an enemy of the marriage. But because they had forgiven her and still believed she was a friend to the family, she was allowed into their home. Do you know how this story ended? Anita’s friend finally succeeded in taking away the husband. But this time, she took away the life of her friend to do so. And after everything, the husband, due to how close Anita’s friend had become, ended up marrying his dead wife’s friend.
While the story above is fictional, it is exactly what happens when you keep your enemies closer. They get more insight into your life and find the easiest way to harm you.
I do not know how people view the word “enemy,” but to me, it simply means that the person is wicked and capable of harming me at any time. So, I should be extremely careful in dealing with such a person. Why should I keep someone close to me when I know they can harm me? No, I cannot do that.
I think religious houses should reconsider how they deliver this sermon. It is better to always forgive our enemies, but also keep them very far away in order to reduce the chances of being harmed by them easily.
Thank You!