What to do with Enemies

Enemies. It seems as though all of us have more of them these days. Whether it be those who disparage us, those who outright attack us, or those who simply disagree with us, the list of “friends” for many seems to be declining. The current cultural climate seems to be a breeding ground for a growing sense of distrust and outright hate. The response to COVID-19 engenders a wide range of opinion, from desperate fear to ridiculous conspiracy. The recent inauguration of a new President brings exuberant expectations to some and dismal gloom to others. The constant reminder of “STAY SOCIALLY DISTANCED” does not exactly foster the coming together of friends, much less those who would not otherwise interact. Fortunately, God has not remained silent on the matter of enemies. His Word speaks much to this.

Through Gates of Splendor is a best-selling book now more than sixty years old. Written by Elisabeth Elliot, she retells the story of God’s calling upon her and her husband, Jim Elliot, as they would partner in ministry together with four other families in reaching the Auca people in the jungles of Ecuador. Completely unattached to the modern world or any contact with other peoples, communication with the Auca was a near impossible task. Yet, compelled by the mission of the gospel, these five missionary couples were determined to work through every difficulty. Most disconcerting to the mission, the Auca tribe were notoriously violent, even for the tribal peoples of Ecuador. They would attack foreigners and even one another with fierce and deadly force, typically spearing any presumed threat, even without provocation. Though they seemed unwilling to make any contact with the missionaries, and though the dangers were great, the five families were driven by an unstoppable love for the Aucas. If any people deserved the title of enemy, certainly the Aucas would apply.

While the initial contact by the missionaries to the Aucas was met with curiosity and seeming hospitality, the Aucas followed the pattern for which they had become notorious. Ambushing the missionary men on January 8, 1956, four of their bodies were eventually discovered by a search party days later. In response to their kindness, gifts, and the gospel, the missionaries were speared to death in the most brutal fashion. If the moniker of enemy were ever fitting, surely the Auca people deserved the title. Yet, within a few short months, Elisabeth Elliot, whose husband had been murdered by the Aucas, and Rachel Saint, whose brother was also slain, returned to minister to the tribe. Again, they would reach out to the very people who had been responsible for the deaths of their loved ones. As a result, many of the Aucas, even some of the very ones involved in the murders, came to faith in Jesus Christ. The cycle of violence that had become so normal to this tribe would now be broken by the power of forgiveness. Those who were once enemies were now overwhelmed by love.

This story gives us an important perspective in our own context. While our enemies may certainly abound, it is unlikely they are nearly as menacing as the Auca tribe. Regardless, the biblical mandate upon us for how enemies should be met remains the same. The Bible has much to say about our enemies, and it can be categorized into two groupings.

1. The Enemy is real.

Scripture pulls no punches in speaking of our Enemy. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is the enemy of God and all who are made in His image. He is relentless in his pursuit to defame the glory of God and destroy His work. Satan has countless demonic minions under his leadership, and their battle against God and His people is unending to this day. Alongside the devil, the Bible explains that our old flesh (who we were before Christ) and the world system (the attitude fostered by those who reject Christ) are also the enemies of our soul (Romans 6:12; 1 John 2:15-16).

It is important that we not confuse our enemy. We are tempted to treat anyone who disagrees with us or even attacks us as an enemy. However, even people such as these are created in the image of God; it is for such as these that Christ came to die. We must learn from God’s Word, and by the Spirit’s power, to stand against the rising tide of evil, yet to hold out the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul provides us with insight for how to do this. “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

2. We are to love our enemies.

The Bible also makes plain that while our true enemies are spiritual in nature, there are “enemies of the cross” (Philippians 3:18). We do encounter people, some even very near to us, who oppose the work of Christ in this world. There are those who mean to discourage us and seek not after good for us. There are even those who would bring us great harm given the opportunity. These are just the individuals to whom Christ referred in his famous “Sermon on the Mount.” The people to whom Jesus was speaking (among whom we are not excluded) had people in their lives whom they considered enemies. Political leaders who were oppressive. Neighbors who took advantage of them. Co-workers who derided them to others. Perhaps, even someone with whom they shared a home. Yet, in spite of the attacks leveled against them by these, Jesus commanded that they (and we) respond to our enemies is just this fashion. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Of course, “loving our enemies” does not include complicit allowance of real danger or harm. We must stand against wrong. Yet, we are to hold out the mercy of Christ.

All of Scripture’s instruction on how we deal with enemies should be considered in light of the manner in which God has dealt with us. While we may now call ourselves the friends of God by His grace, this has not always been the case. At one time, we also were among God’s enemies. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). By the same justice and mercy that was exhibited at the cross, let us also meet our enemies.

Jason