To love is easy when you are loved in return.
To love is also easy when you know that others’ also have your best interest at heart, the same way as you have for them..
BUT it is whole other story to love those who hate you, those who are your so-called enemies..
The interesting part is that Jesus knew that all of us would have enemies, therefore He addressed it specifically in the Bible.
Furthermore He even states that we should love our enemies! Honestly, I didn’t see that one coming!
When Jesus says it, that settles it. I guess enough said then?
Let’s look at His instruction regarding our response towards our enemies.
“But I say to you who hear. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also and from him who takes away your cloak, do not with-hold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same? And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 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. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 6:27-36 NKJV