What would you do if your enemy needed your help?

“If you come upon your enemy’s ox or donkey that has strayed away, take it back to its owner. If you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and help.”

Exodus 23:4–5 (NLT)

Let’s face it, some rules are easier to keep than others. The rule I’ve made for myself to make coffee for my wife each morning is easy, because I usually get up early, and I love my morning cup! ☕ The rule I’ve made to not snack after 8:00 PM is much harder! When it comes to God’s commandments, “Be fruitful and fill the earth,” is one that humans have done a pretty good job at keeping. But the commandment to love your enemies? Well, that’s a different story!

Now if you live in the city, the commandment to return your enemy’s donkey will not likely cause you much trouble. What are the chances you will see your enemy’s donkey walking downtown? But of course, the application is much broader. We must seek our enemy’s ultimate good–even to the point of caring for his livelihood…or his livestock.

This reminds me of what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount:

“I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:44–45 (NKJV)

Is this easy? No way! It’s hard to love your enemies and pray blessings down upon them. We must conquer our feelings of hurt and resentment. We must take off the judge’s robe and wrap a towel around our waist to wash feet. We must refuse to let evil overcome us but rather overcome evil with good. These things are nearly impossible to do, but they please God, break down walls of hostility, and sometimes turn enemies into friends.

So, how do we do it?

Question: How do you eat an elephant?
Response 1: Where are you going to find an elephant to eat?
Response 2: One bite at a time.

First, be willing to let God change your heart.
Second, ask God to pour His love into your heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).
Third, trade places with your enemy in your mind and think how you would want to be treated.
Then just do it.

Photo by TS Sergey on Unsplash