“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Matthew 5:43-44 NIV
Love Your Enemies
China and Russia are Canada’s main enemies, with both nations considering themselves to be at war with the west, according to a 2023 document from the Canadian military. In language similar to that now being used by the Pentagon and NATO, the document outlines how the Canadian Forces must change to prepare for a long-term conflict. “We must remember that Russia and China do not differentiate between peace and war,” Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre states in the introduction to the Pan-Domain Force Employment Concept.”
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The Christian faith is radical. It forces us to step outside our comfort zone. There is no greater example of this than in the teaching of Jesus for our enemies. Jesus makes things difficult for His followers when He teaches them, and us, in Matthew 5:43-44: “‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’” The world is a mess. We don’t have to follow the news very much to see just how big a mess. Our cities are more violent than ever before. Global disputes are now played out on the streets of Canada. Inter-tribal hatred is rampant in many countries of the world. Never in my lifetime have I seen the “us against them” played out so clearly – in Europe, in the Middle East, in Asia, in Africa. And in it all, Jesus commands His followers, us, “love your enemies.” This isn’t a suggestion – it is a command. We are called to love them as Jesus does. This is radical love.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley