Christians...what about loving your enemies?

Question

I have not been on this website for very long, but a see a lot of Islam and Muslim bashing going on. Why is that? Is that voicing your fear and hurt? Or is it voicing your hatred?
How would you like it if your religion was constantly insulted? Wouldn't it feel like someone telling you your husband or wife is no good?
What good does all this bashing do? It might make you feel better for a little while, but, then the same feelings come up again.
What good is all your searching on websites-- to argue with Muslims about the "stupidity" of their religion? ("Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up...")

What does Jesus tell us to do? "Mt 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,.."
Lu 6:27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,..."

And Peter adds:
1. Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,..."

I didn't mean to say that we don't tell Muslims about our faith in Jesus. But we first have to show them love and respect as people to win the right to be listened to.

Answer 1

I agree! many so-called Christians are not really listening to Jesus's messages.. Jesus preached about love and he welcomed prostitutes and the lowest members of society to eat with him.. how many Christians would do that today? ha! not many at all! very few of those who claim Christ are actual Christians..

Christianity is a good religion because it does teach forgiveness and loving our enemies.. but it has gotten a bad reputation because very few people who claim to be Christians are doing what they're supposed to be doing..

Answer 2

I agree with you. I am a Christian, and am appalled by the intolerance and bitterness I see coming from other supposed 'Christians' and other religions of 'love'. The Jesus I know taught love and tolerance, not hate and prejudice. I do have to say, however, that I DO know how it feels to have my religion and beliefs constantly insulted: it happens everyday on Yahoo! Answers. I can only stand as an example of Jesus' love towards all people.

Answer 3

There is Islam and Muslim bashing here by non Muslims. I am not so sure they are Christians. Unless I know for sure I would not come to that conclusion. Genuine Christians know that their enemies are not flesh and blood (ie people) but the wicked forces in the heaven places (ie evil spirits).

Answer 4

I agree. Many Christians say rude things about Muslims here. They speak of hatred toward them. I understand having hatred toward terrorists but not all Muslims are terrorists. These are not well educated people. It's not just Christians. But by their rudeness, it shows us that we are only human and that we are all sinners. Even people that believe in Jesus have their moments.

Answer 5

I would also add that when you love your enemy they cease to be your enemy and you create no more enemies. I don't find that having 'enemies' is a positive way to live and don't consider anyone on this forum to be my enemy regardless of beliefs. Have a took a few hits for being a Buddhist, yes. But I just have to love unconditionally. That's all I can do but it is a mighty thing.
It brings more peace.

Answer 6

All solutions so some distance sound strong & are suitable. yet, if i'm in simple terms starting up my religious journey the most effortless of all causes to artwork on loving my enemies should be that each one which dislike, all that anger, & all that venom comes via me first. i'd get maximum of it & as I launch it questioning it is going to "attack" my meant enemy, it really is killing me. It consequences me first bodily formerly enviroment or my "enemy". i be conscious of this isn't a "selfless" answer, yet again i'm no longer particular there is one in the starting up. with somewhat of success, with assistance from attempting to no longer damage myself with poison ideas to the single I evaluate my enemy, via selfish causes i also will study something about my nature & possibly the nature of the enemy, then as i regulate, my causes will change. thrilling Q. advantages!

Answer 7

It's called hypocrisy. They preach about love & forgiveness, but they condemn everyone who doesn't believe what they believe.

Through my own personal experience... christians (more specifically, roman catholic christians) are the most rude, selfish, ignorant people i've ever known. I'm not saying all christians are that way, and i'm not saying ALL roman catholics are this way.... But there is a lot of hate in a religion that is supposed to stand for love & acceptance. (Acceptance of ALL... not just acceptance for those who follow your ways.)

Their book says "love thy neighbor".... apparently there's more to that phrase than we can understand... The way they interpret it is "Love thy neighbor UNLESS he's black, muslim, jewish, buddhist, gay, asian, french, turkish...." and so on & so on, you get the point.

Answer 8

It is not Muslims that we are attacking, it is the teaching of Islam. The point is to try to show people the error of this religion. When God tells us to love our enemies he in no way insinuates that we are to accept and approve of the beliefs that they have. Out of love for them we can try to point out to them the error of their beliefs and seek to turn them to Jesus Christ who can give them eternal life. Your idea that because we love someone we don't try to tell them about the way of life as God gave it to us, in my opinion, is not love in all. By the way, our religion is constantly insulted.

Answer 9

No. TRUE Christians do not bash anyone. As John 13:34, 35 says: "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”

Answer 10

I don't hate Muslims. I just hate the religious system they're trapped in.

You have to differentiate between the person and the religion. They're not the same. ;)