DEALING
WITH ENEMIES
An enemy is someone who hates, opposes, or attacks another
person and tries to harm him.
Enemies are called adversaries,
antagonists, competitors, foes, bandits, opponents, invaders, etc.
Religiously, the enemies of human
beings are: lust, anger, greed, arrogance, ego, jealousy, envy, etc. These are
negative qualities which hinder spiritual growth. To overcome them, one needs self-discipline,
self-awareness, spiritual growth, compassion, humility, etc.
Enemies are unfriendly. Emotions
associated with them are: anger, hatred, frustration, envy, jealousy, grudge,
fear and distrust.
We cannot afford to have everlasting
enemies in our daily life. We must deal with them in such a way that they
become friends.
Do not hate your enemies, Love them.
Try to understand them and behave towards them as you would like them to behave
towards you.
The Bible says: Love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who
mistreat you. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be
glad when he stumbles. Learn to overcome evil with good. If your enemy is
hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Maatma Gandhi (1869-1948) said: Return
good for evil. His philosophy of non-violence heavily emphasized responding to
negativity with positive actions.
Socially and religiously enemies are
regarded important in life. “One true benefit of having them is that they bring
controversy and conflict into your life which is a necessary ingredient for
growth. Look at all great people throughout history, all of them became great
because of an enemy.
Biblically your enemy is anybody who
resists you, who contradicts you, who crosses you, who antagonizes you. In this
context your enemies are those who resist God, who disobey His laws, and who
ignore Him.
To conclude, these few extracts from
some Biblical psalms: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of enemies, for
it is the Lord your God who goes with you.
******
G.R.Kanwal
09th February 2025
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