Do well with your enemies

Times are changing every day, people leave the ways of the Lord and others remain in faith, and for this reason it is good that as servants of Christ we set a good example in demonstration to others. In a world where values shift constantly and where many choose to walk in darkness, the believer must shine with integrity, compassion, and obedience to the Word. Our testimony becomes more necessary as the days grow more difficult, because people are watching—some searching for hope, others seeking excuses—but all needing to see in us a reflection of Christ. The way we live can strengthen a weak brother, encourage a wounded heart, or even awaken someone spiritually blind. That is why our example in love, humility, and perseverance becomes such a powerful tool in the hands of God.

It is more important that each day we can treat our enemies well, no matter how they act with us, the Bible teaches us that we must treat our enemies well. Loving those who love us is easy, but loving those who mistreat us is a divine work in our hearts. Jesus Himself showed us this example when He prayed for those who crucified Him, revealing that true Christian character shines when we respond with grace, not revenge. Each day we face moments that test our temperament: harsh words, misunderstandings, betrayal, or injustice. Yet the call of Christ remains the same—to respond differently, to show a love that does not come from human strength but from God.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:44

The book of Matthew teaches us that every day we must treat all those who curse us, who persecute us, and those who hate us, what shall we do with them? Pray and bless them, ask God to have mercy on them. This is not weakness—it is obedience. When we pray for those who hurt us, our hearts heal, bitterness loses its grip, and we begin to see them through God’s eyes. Many times our prayers will accomplish more than any argument or reaction, because God is the one who transforms, convicts, and restores.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Romans 12:19

We should not take revenge ourselves but let God take control of the situation, so it is important that each day we take into account that only God can do justice because the revenge is of Him. When we take matters into our own hands, we remove God from the throne of justice and try to sit there ourselves, but we are not righteous judges. God sees deeper than we see, knows what we ignore, and acts in perfect timing. Trusting God’s justice liberates us from the weight of resentment and protects our heart from falling into sin.

On the contrary:

“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.”

Romans 12:20

We must never stop doing good, but we must help our enemies, give them a hand and if they do not yet know the Word of God, help them to know God. Sometimes a single act of kindness speaks louder than a thousand sermons. When someone who treated us harshly receives unexpected goodness, it confronts their conscience and may even open a door for the gospel. God uses our good works not only to bless others but also to soften hearts and break chains of hatred.

This is why it is good to do good deeds with those who hate us. If God has done good works with His saints, then who are we who can not do the same with them? The love He poured out on us when we were His enemies now becomes the same love we extend to others. We forgive because we were forgiven, we show mercy because we received mercy, and we love because He first loved us.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21

The easiest way to overcome all evil, is doing good, because with good we can overcome evil. Evil grows when we respond to it with more evil, but it loses its power when confronted with kindness, patience, and love. This is the victorious life Christ called us to live—a life that reflects heaven even in the midst of darkness.