Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.

Romans 12:14-16

There are people in the world who we make think of as enemies, but few of us have real personal enemies, wouldn’t you agree? But, we do sometimes face conflicts in the workplace or around the neighborhood and so let’s consider how we might face the conflict this Monday morning.

In the verse above, Paul echoes the words of Christ – ““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” (Matthew 5:43-44).

The message is simple, but how is it accomplished? When our enemies succeed our tendency is to mourn and despise their success. When our enemies are suffering, our tendency is to find consolation in their pain and we rejoice.

In yet another example of upside-down living, Paul tells us to rejoice with them as they rejoice. Not only are we to celebrate with them we are to stand beside them in their pain. When they mourn, we are to join them in their mourning.

Our “enemies” are human beings, just like us. Shouldn’t we extend the same kind of empathy and compassion we have received from God?