My Enemies

"I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends."

Abraham Lincoln



I'd like to say that I have never had enemies but it would be a lie.  It seems that if you are prepared to stand for something there will always be those who are offended.  If you are a pastor or someone who acts as an agent of change in our society you are bound to make enemies too.  There are so many who do not wish any change and to be an agent of change is to disturb the comfortable.  Then of course, there are the mistakes I've made.  Unfortunately they have racked up a few enemies for me as well.  I'd better change track or you will begin to think I have a whole slew of enemies...
Of the people who have declared themselves my enemy, a large number have eventually been reconciled with me and some have even become my friend.  How does that happen?  Many years ago, I went to a new congregation.  In that congregation were a few people who had been running the show for many years and one of those gentlemen and I had a serious fallout.  Within six months he had gone door to door asking people to sign a petition to the bishop asking for my removal. ( I am grateful the bishop said no.)  As time went on, this man's wife became ill and I ministered to her until her death.  Then he also became ill and I visited with him regularly.  He spent the last part of his life in a nursing home, and one day as I was visiting that home he called me over.  He said:  "I don't have long to live and I just want to tell you that I was wrong."  My enemy had become my friend because of my persistent loving care for both him and his wife.

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him with the other also.  If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.  Give to everyone who ask you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.  Do to others as you would have them do to you.  (Luke 6:27-31)