195. MAT 5:44. THE DIFFICULT COMMANDMENT

Mat_5:44. The Difficult Commandment

"Love your enemies."’97Mat_5:44.

This command is purely Christian. I. is not found in any of the systems of paganism. It is not a principle recognised by deistical philosophers. It is not to be found in the Jewish ritual. It was reserved for Messiah, the Lord Jesus, in whom it was so beautifully exemplified, to enjoin, that his disciples should love their enemies. Let us Illustrate it’97Enforce it’97and, Answer some Objections.

Let us,

I. Illustrate this Duty.

Now, here are two things: the objects, and the feelings we must exercise.

1. The objects.

"Enemies." Such as are indifferent to our well-being Such as dislike us’97malign our reputation’97as injure our feelings or persons. Some of them maybe secret, others public and avowed, enemies. They may be malignant, and revengeful, and insatiably cruel. Notice,

2. The feelings we must exercise towards them.

We must "love them." It does not mean that we are to approve of them, or be insensible to their injuries; or, that we are not to defend ourselves against them But we are not to hate them; nor rail against them; nor be revengeful, and attempt retaliation. But to love them,

(1) So as deeply to compassionate them’97feel for them’97and sincerely pity them.

(2) That we forgive them.

(3) That we pray for them.

(4) That we are ready to relieve them, and do them good. "To bless them," &c. "Good for evil," &c.; Rom_12:20. And,

(5) That we are willing to receive them to favor and friendship on signs of repentance.

Let us then,

II. Enforce this Duty.

We enforce it,

1. On the ground of Christ’s indisputable authority.

He is our Legislator’97our one Master’97we must hear him, and are bound to obey aim. "I say unto you, love your enemies."

2. On the ground of Christ’s blessed example.

He left heaven, and lived and died, for enemies. His last prayer, &c.: "Father, forgive," &c. His generous command, in reference to his gospel "Beginning at Jerusalem."

3. Our acceptance with God is suspended upon it.

"But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses;" Mat_6:15; Mat_18:23.

4. It is essential to true religion here, and to happiness hereafter.

Our services will not be accepted without it; Mat_5:23. Without it we cannot possibly love God; 1Jn_4:20. Without it we do not bear Christ’s image; and as such, are totally unfit for his presence and glory.

Let us, then,

III. Answer some Objections.

It is objected,

1. That it is incompatible with self-love.

We reply, that we are not to love the injury, but the injurer; and the soul’s sweetest felicity will thus be produced. Our own peace will, therefore, be truly promoted, if we love our enemies. It is objected,

2. Revenge is sweet.

It is so to demons, and wicked men who possess the spirit of the wicked one. But mercy and pity only are really sweet to those who are renewed in their hearts by the saving grace of God. It is said,

3. Revenge is honorable.

It is false honor. The honor of a bad world, and of depraved hearts. It is the glory of the blessed God to forgive us, who have been enemies to him; and it is our highest dignity to be conformed to his holy image. Some say,

4. It is impossible.

So it is to the carnal mind, without di vine aid, without crucifying our own carnal self. But Joseph loved his fraternal enemies. Moses loved his enemies. Stephen prayed for his murderers. And the blessed Jesus, who knows what is in man, and what he is capable of doing, and whose yoke is easy, has enjoined it; and therefore, however difficult, it is evidently possible.

Application

In order to exemplify this difficult precept, constantly seek the aid of the divine Spirit; keep Christ’s example prominently before you; and hold intimate fellowship with God. God is love; and he who dwelleth in God dwelleth in love

Autor: JABEZ BURNS