The Power of Love and Unity

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

Jesus taught us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and bless those who curse us. He guides us to do this for a multitude of reasons. He exemplifies love and peace and wants us to follow that same path. The act of loving our enemy molds us into stronger people, fostering character growth and better habits. Maintaining a positive attitude and treating people well—despite their shortcomings—we are elevated to better versions of ourselves.

Consider the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and his Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, as a prime example of loving one’s enemy. Stanton was devoted to the cause of the Union, but openly detested Lincoln and criticized him regularly. In a letter, he predicted that Washington would fall to the Rebels due to the “painful imbecility of Lincoln.” However, when Lincoln began to look around the country seeking a suitable candidate for the Secretary of War cabinet position in 1862, he chose Edwin M. Stanton. His advisors were stunned, but Lincoln insisted that Stanton was the best man for the job. Throughout his presidency, Lincoln extended love and trust to Stanton. After Lincoln’s assassination, Stanton fiercely defended his legacy, placed a bounty on John Wilkes Booth and the men who plotted to kill the President and endeavored to bring them to justice.

Not all situations turn out this way, but it does provide a profound insight into Jesus’s intention when he urged us to love our enemies. Staying aligned with His will empowers us to become agents of positive change in the world.

Your Call to Action

It’s time to change the narrative. Let’s take a bold step toward a more compassionate world by embracing what Jesus taught us: love your enemies. Don’t just read these words, act on them. Start today. Find that person who pushes your buttons, the one you find hard to tolerate and show them a gesture of kindness. This is not about them, but about you growing stronger and becoming a better person. Let’s transform our enemies into allies, one act of love at a time.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone” (Romans 12:17).

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20:21).

“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).

Prayer

God, our gracious heavenly Father, thank You for the inspiration You have given us through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Help us to love as You do—with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Grant us not only tolerance for our enemies, but also genuine love, so we may find common ground and an opportunity to talk to them about You. Amid the emotional tension we face today, with so many at odds, let us rise as Christian people to be a beacon of light in a dark world. Our best days lie ahead with You at the forefront of all we do. In Your name, we pray, Amen.

A Comforting Closure

Let us rise above divisiveness and hatred, embody the lessons of love as taught by Jesus, and strive to be carriers of compassion, even towards those we consider our adversaries. In that, we may find an unexpected alliance.

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