Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of assisting one's enemies is a profound demonstration of love and obedience to God's commandments. The Scriptures provide numerous instances and teachings that encourage believers to extend kindness and assistance even to those who oppose them.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the treatment of enemies with compassion and assistance. In Exodus 23:4-5, the Israelites are instructed: "If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it." This directive emphasizes the importance of practical help and kindness, even towards those who may harbor animosity. Proverbs 25:21-22 further reinforces this principle: "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you." This passage suggests that acts of kindness can lead to a change of heart in the enemy and bring divine favor upon the one who assists. New Testament Teachings The New Testament expands on the Old Testament teachings, with Jesus Christ providing the ultimate example and instruction on loving and assisting enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This radical call to love and pray for adversaries underscores the transformative power of grace and mercy. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:20-21: "On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Paul reiterates the teaching from Proverbs, emphasizing that good can triumph over evil through acts of kindness and assistance. Practical Implications The biblical mandate to assist enemies challenges believers to rise above natural inclinations of retaliation and resentment. It calls for a higher standard of conduct that reflects the character of God, who "causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45). Assisting enemies can take many forms, from meeting their physical needs to offering forgiveness and reconciliation. It requires a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, willing to extend grace and mercy as God has done for humanity through Jesus Christ. Historical and Theological Context Throughout church history, Christians have grappled with the call to assist enemies, often finding inspiration in the lives of martyrs and saints who exemplified this teaching. The theological underpinning of assisting enemies is rooted in the understanding of God's love and justice, which transcends human enmity and seeks the redemption of all. In summary, the biblical instruction to assist enemies is a profound expression of Christian love and obedience. It challenges believers to reflect God's character and to trust in His ultimate justice and mercy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 25:21If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 12:20 Library The Precept of Loving One's Enemies it is as Much Taught in the ... How Abram Fought with the Assyrians, and Overcame Them, and Saved ... Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ... Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ... Of the Synod at Ariminum, and the Creed There Published. Antigonus Besieges those that were in Masada, whom Herod Frees ... How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ... Epistle Li. To Antonianus About Cornelius and Novatian. How Jonathan Took the Government after his Brother Judas; And How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ... Resources What is imprecatory prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the rain falls on the just and the unjust? | GotQuestions.org What does Psalm 137:9 mean when it says, “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks”? | GotQuestions.org Enemies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Enemies of Saints, God Will Destroy Enemies: Be Affectionately Concerned For Enemies: Christ Prayed for His Enemies: Desire not the Death of Enemies: Made to be at Peace With Saints Enemies: Praise God for Deliverance From Enemies: Pray for Deliverance From Enemies: Rejoice not at the Failings of Enemies: Rejoice not at the Misfortunes of Enemies: should be Overcome by Kindness Enemies: The Friendship of, Deceitful Enemies: The Goods of, to be Taken Care of Enemies: The Lives of, to be Spared Related Terms |
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