What do you call someone who you are constantly in conflict with? Adversary? Foe? Enemy? After 2000 years of rumination on the Christian message, it is not “spiritual” or even “politically correct” to have enemies. We’re supposed to love everyone. So we shouldn’t have enemies, right?

The problem is, most of us have experienced someone who seemed to thrive on conflict with us. And despite our best efforts (well, maybe), we seem unable to stop the cycle of conflict and aggression. Jesus even seemed to be pretty clear that we would face opposition as his followers. Because we are associated with him, we will face enemies, people who will oppose us; some who will make it their mission to destroy our character, or to hurt us physically or emotionally.

The Bible is full of examples of God’s people who had to deal with enemies, and Nehemiah is a great example:

So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.

Nehemiah 6:15-16Nehemiah 6:15-16
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
The Work Is Finished 15 On the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, w Elul: The sixth month of the Hebrew calendar, from about mid-August to mid-September. the wall was completely rebuilt. It had taken fifty-two days. 16 When our enemies in the surrounding nations learned that the work was finished, they felt helpless, because they knew that our God had helped us rebuild the wall.

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The real issue is not whether we have enemies and face opposition. It is how we respond. Jesus commanded us to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us. And there is no guarantee that this will bring peace, or an end to hostility. But it will bring glory to our savior, who endured threats, accusations, and even death on the cross at the hand of those who should have been his friends.

To end today, a couple questions:

  • Is there a difference n how we respond to a personal enemy and someone who opposes us because of our association with Christ?
  • Where do you experience the most conflict with others? On the road? At work? In your own home? Why?
  • What would prayer for an enemy look like? Is it difficult for you to pray “good” for someone who is in conflict with you?