The vast majority of people have had at least one enemy. Those who haven't are an exception to the rule. By simply being Americans, people more than likely have at least one. Certainly Christians have one or more – whether they know it or not.
Almost everyone has at least one – whether real or imagined. An imagined enemy is one who fits into a class of people we have been taught (but not experienced) are "evil" and to be avoided.
A real enemy is one who has stated contempt for a person, and either overtly or covertly wishes harm to that person or to their belief system.
Another type of enemy is someone who has hurt a person in some fashion, and that person wishes harm to them in body or spirit.
The question is, what does a person do about this? Having enemies robs so much joy from life, because a vast amount of energy is spent in being angry toward them, or in plotting how to deal vengefully against them.
Jesus of Nazareth has some great instructions on how to deal with enemies.
●Seek forgiveness. If you realize that you have done something to physically or mentally injure someone, go to that person and ask their forgiveness. The other person may or may not forgive you. If not, at least you tried, and the ball is in their court. If they do, there is reason for great rejoicing.
●Pray for that person. Bless those who persecute you. Sounds rather contradictory doesn't it? Most would rather follow the Old Testament teaching of and eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
The logic of Jesus' teaching is excellent. If you pray for your enemy, one of two things will happen.
One, God will change your enemy's heart. Or, two, God will change your heart. In either case, that person will no longer be your enemy.
Will you become friends? Maybe, but not necessarily. But what you will have is a clearer conscience and a purer heart, knowing you have done what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
Making enemies can be easy. Forgiving enemies can be very difficult. Praying for your enemies will have long-lasting, life-giving results. Give it a try.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Jesus addresses how to deal with enemies