1 Sam 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk 6:27-38.
During the time of Jesus, the common teaching among the rabbis followed the principle of retributive justice, best expressed in the phrase "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (Exodus 21:24). This law, known as the Lex Talionis, was meant to ensure that punishment was proportional to the crime and to prevent excessive retaliation. However, Jesus introduced a radical departure from this norm. Instead of responding to harm with equal harm, He called His followers to love their enemies, turn the other cheek, and respond to hatred with kindness. This revolutionary teaching not only challenged societal norms but also called for a transformation of the heart, where mercy triumphs over retribution.
While Jesus’ teaching to “love your enemies” is revolutionary, it is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Consider Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37-50). His own siblings sold him into slavery out of jealousy. Years later, when Joseph had risen to power in Egypt and his brothers came to him in desperate need of food, he had every reason to take revenge. Instead, Joseph chose love. He forgave them, wept with them, and provided for them, saying, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). This act of forgiveness foreshadows Christ’s call to love even those who have wronged us.
Another powerful Old Testament example is David and King Saul. Despite Saul’s relentless attempts to kill David, when David had the chance to take Saul’s life, he spared him. David said, “I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:10). His refusal to retaliate demonstrated a heart of mercy and trust in God’s justice.
The early Church took Jesus’ words seriously, even in the face of brutal persecution. One of the most striking examples is St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As he was being stoned to death, he echoed Jesus’ own words from the cross: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). His prayer for his murderers, rather than cursing them, left a lasting impact. Among those who witnessed his death was Saul, who later became Paul, one of the greatest apostles. This moment of radical forgiveness played a role in Paul’s transformation, proving that love and mercy can change even the hardest of hearts.
In modern times, the power of forgiveness continues to inspire. One of the most touching examples is that of Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp. After the war, she met a former guard from the camp where she and her sister had suffered. The man asked her for forgiveness. At first, she hesitated, feeling the weight of the pain he had caused. Then, she extended her hand to him, saying, “I forgive you, brother, with all my heart.” Corrie’s testimony shows that forgiveness is not about forgetting but about choosing love over hatred.
Another remarkable example is that of Pope John Paul II. In 1981, he was shot and severely wounded by an assassin named Mehmet Ali Ağca. Instead of seeking retribution, the Pope visited Ağca in prison, held his hand, and forgave him. He even advocated for his release. This act of mercy shocked the world and demonstrated the depth of Christian love.
Jesus’ command to love our enemies is one of the most challenging aspects of discipleship. It is easy to love those who are kind to us, but to love those who hurt us requires divine grace. How can we apply this teaching in our daily lives?
Holding grudges only burdens our hearts. Forgiveness does not mean excusing wrongs but freeing ourselves from the poison of resentment. During the Rwandan genocide in 1994, millions suffered immense tragedy, but one remarkable story of forgiveness stands out. Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor, lost her entire family to the brutal killings. She hid for 91 days in a tiny bathroom, praying for strength and struggling with anger and grief. After the genocide, she had the opportunity to confront the man who had murdered her loved ones. Instead of seeking vengeance, she looked him in the eye and said, “I forgive you.” Though it did not erase the pain, her decision to forgive freed her from the hatred that could have consumed her. Her story reminds us that forgiveness is not about justifying wrongdoing but about choosing to release ourselves from the heavy chains of bitterness and resentment.
In our daily lives, opportunities to forgive arise constantly—within our families, workplaces, and communities. At home, conflicts between spouses, misunderstandings between parents and children, or hurtful words spoken in frustration can build walls of resentment if not met with forgiveness. In the workplace, disagreements with colleagues, unfair treatment, or harsh criticism can lead to bitterness unless we choose to let go and move forward with grace. In society, we encounter injustices, betrayals, and offenses that test our ability to love as Christ commands. Whether it is forgiving a reckless driver who cuts us off, showing patience to someone who wrongs us in public, or extending kindness to those who misunderstand us, every day presents an opportunity to break the cycle of anger and replace it with mercy. Choosing to forgive in these small moments not only brings peace to our hearts but also creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to embrace the path of love and reconciliation.
Secondly, Pray for Your Enemies: When we pray for those who have wronged us, our hearts begin to change. We see them as God sees them—broken, yet loved.
Thirdly, Respond with Kindness: If someone speaks harshly to us, responding with gentleness can defuse anger and transform relationships.
Fourthly, Give Without Expecting Return: Whether it is time, love, or material resources, giving selflessly reflects God’s generosity toward us.
Finally, Trust God’s Justice: We do not need to take revenge; God is the ultimate judge. Our role is to love, and He will handle justice in His time.
To conclude, let us reflect on a poem that embodies this teaching:
To love the ones who hurt us so,
To bless the hands that bring us woe,
To pray for those who strike our face,
To answer hate with love’s embrace.
For mercy triumphs over wrath,
And love will light the darkest path.
So let us walk where Jesus trod,
And love our enemies like God.
Jesus’ call to love our enemies is not just a lofty ideal; it is a way of life. When we practice radical love, we mirror the very heart of God. We become living witnesses of Christ’s mercy. May we have the courage to forgive, the strength to bless, and the grace to love—just as Jesus has loved us.
Satish