IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOVE YOUR ENEMIES?*
Has someone ever hurt you to the extent that you wish the person was dead? Have you ever had the opportunity to deal with an enemy or someone who has caused you pain and suffering, or someone who is seeking your life? The readings of today offer answers to these questions.
The story of David and Saul is a very popular one in the bible. David was blessed all round, and he was of great service to Saul. Though he was the youngest son of Jesse and he had 3 of his elder brothers in the army of the King, he volunteered to fight the philistine Goliath, and he was successful in killing him and bringing happiness and peace to the land. He was therefore made the army commander. He was also a great singer who played for the king in the court. He was indeed a great friend of Saul; one can therefore imagine how these great friends became fulltime rivals and enemies that Saul began to look for David to kill him. We are told that it was out of jealousy because the women were singing the praises of David more than that of Saul.
In the first reading of today, we see that David who has been running from Saul who sought his life, had an opportunity to kill Saul, but he was filled with mercy, love and compassion that he refused to kill him. This brings us to the words of Jesus in the gospel reading of today. We should love our enemies and forgive those who have wronged us.
In the Old Testament, the concept of forgiveness was very shallow. You are expected to do to others just as they have done to you. It is therefore *an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth*. Even when we are told in Matt 7:12 to do to others what we would like to be done to us, Jesus moves further to tell us that if we only do good to those who are good to us, and do not treat well those who hate us, we are not behaving as Christians because even pagans do the same Matt 5:37-41.
It is always good to forgive, this is because it frees us from stress, anxiety, depression, anger and other vices, and clears our mind to be more open, which will enhance our productivity. It is true that it is not always easy to forgive, especially those who do not even agree to have wronged us and are not even sorry for them. Like Jesus on the cross, we should tell God to forgive them because they do not know what they are doing. To forgive does not mean that you are weak, but that you are more godly and mature in the faith. Forgive today and receive your blessings.
*Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP*