Guest post: Teen reflections, loving your enemies!

There was a question brought to me that asked “What do you find difficult that Jesus teaches to stand by or follow?

This question made me think, because often as humans, even if we are Christian, we sin all the time and follow worldly desires, even while reading the Bible and Jesus’ teachings.

One thing I find very difficult is following Bible teachings while also going and doing what you say and know is wrong. It can also be hard to believe some of the Lord’s teachings and agree with them or understand them. One teaching that I find difficult to understand or agree with is loving your enemies.

Now growing up most of us are told to love our enemies and forgive them because Jesus does the same thing for us. But as a teenager that can be very hard, people are backstabbing and cruel, and even though we all make mistakes, some just seem like they aren’t worth forgiving. People gossip, say rude things, judge each other, do things to make you feel bad, or not trust them.

While we can judge someone else for doing that, we have probably done the same thing to Jesus. You may be wondering how do we forgive the people we hate? The Bible tells us to forgive those we hate, but it can be hard.

In the Bible “Luke 6:27,28, 35” it summarizes that: 1) we should love our enemies and bless people who hurt us or mistreat us. We must love and pray for our enemies. Jesus calls us to pray for those who we hate and to love them. Kill them with kindness.

2) Another thing it says is to pray for those who do us dirty. In verse 35 it explains to do good to our enemies and lend to them. Kind of like the verse to treat others how you want to be treated. But it’s true, even if we have been told that our whole life.

Jesus rewards those who do as he says and treats everyone with love and kindness, even when it’s hard.

I think one thing we have to remember is how much Jesus loves us and did for us, and remember we are sinners as well. We also need to remind ourselves that Jesus did the same for all of us, and we are all created by him.

The people we love, the people we hate, every nation, and every creation was made by God and we need to respect the Lords creation. Genesis 2:15 talks about how we are to love and care for Gods creation, not destroy it. As it may be implying to just nature and earth, it is implying to humans as well, because we are Gods creation too.

From my perspective, I’ve been hurt or stabbed in the back by people, but I have probably also done the same, and the same way I can feel about other people, they can also feel about me. I believe this can draw a lot of people away from God, “who wants to love their enemies when we have every reason to hate them and get revenge?”

We can never do this on our own with our sinly nature, we need to ask for Gods help and strength. And put the past behind us or our thoughts of anything to harm another human whether or not we want to.

– Anonymous

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Wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit, when we say aloud “I am a sinner needing Jesus to save me from my sin, He brings grace and mercy! I believe in Jesus! When we declare we want the Lord to be the authority in our life and ask the Holy Spirit to pour His wisdom into our minds, hearts, and souls. We need you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!” We can be filled with wisdom despite our age.

Thank you Jesus for your love, wisdom, and guidance! Amen!

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