Jesus: Love Your Neighbor (Enemies) as Yourself

[singular_me]

As I see it, the act of "Love" demands "empathy and understanding" ... and I understand that disagreements come from the fact that 90% of the time, we do not have the big picture but rather stick to "1 side of the story" ... look at history then look at the world today.

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for a follower of Jesus, 'Love Your Neighbour' means 'Love all people'. And because our enemies are the hardest people to love, the command espeically means, 'Love Your Enemies'.

In the Sermon on the Mount, he said:

"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, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48, NIV)

[Horn]

Some peoples definition of Love is to be worshiped as a God.

You cannot Love them.

Empathy should not be practiced in vain.

[StreetsOfGold]

This 10 year old boy know what "love" does.... it WARNS! If you really love your neighbor, you'll warn them that they are going to hell and that the good news (Gospel) is that they can be saved by trusting Jesus Christ as their Saviour. That's what LOVE DOES!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoLGfCn_Yt4

Love WARNS!

[Sparky]

This 10 year old boy know what "love" does.... it WARNS! If you really love your neighbor, you'll warn them that they are going to hell and that the good news (Gospel) is that they can be saved by trusting Jesus Christ as their Saviour. That's what LOVE DOES!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoLGfCn_Yt4

Love WARNS!

You don't see how that manipulated robotic child would turn people away from Christ's message?

[LuckyStrike]

You are to love your Israelite kinsman even if they wrong you sure. However what are we to do with his enemies?

Psalm 139:19-24

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.




This whole message of "love your enemies" has been so perverted that it seems we are to shower sodomites with blessings and kind words, or jews who blaspheme our Saviours name and spit every time they hear it. This is the limp wristed heresy of churchianity.

[singular_me]

Some peoples definition of Love is to be worshiped as a God.

You cannot Love them.

Empathy should not be practiced in vain.

well, everything can be taken to the extremes, Horn.... :)

if one cannot show empathy and understanding for whatever reason, just avoid your neighbors/enemies... showing hatred isnt going to resolve anything :)

[singular_me]

You are to love your Israelite kinsman even if they wrong you sure. However what are we to do with his enemies?

Psalm 139:19-24

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.




This whole message of "love your enemies" has been so perverted that it seems we are to shower sodomites with blessings and kind words, or jews who blaspheme our Saviours name and spit every time they hear it. This is the limp wristed heresy of churchianity.

thanks for sharing LS... I am not saying that this "love your enemies" quote implies that oe has to embrace everyone regardless of the "danger" they might represent.... or turn the other cheek. Please read my response to Horn. Best...

edit: biblical allegories do often contradict themselves, my observation.