Making Friends, Not Enemies

During the US Civil War, the vehement hatred between the North and South was evident, even palpable.  President Abraham Lincoln was constantly criticized for speaking of benevolent treatment for the Southern rebels. One critic reminded Lincoln that there was a war going on, the Confederates were the enemy, and they should be destroyed. But Lincoln wisely responded, “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.”

 Lincoln’s religious beliefs are a matter of debate. He grew up in a highly religious family, but never joined any church. “As a young man he was a skeptic. He frequently referenced God and quoted the Bible; he attended Protestant church services with his wife and children, and after the deaths of two children became more intensely concerned with God's plan for mankind. He was private about his beliefs and respected the beliefs of others. Lincoln never made a clear profession of standard Christian beliefs; he did believe in an all-powerful God that shaped events and, by 1865, was expressing those beliefs in major speeches.” Wikipedia.

Religion aside, Honest Abe certainly was gifted by his Creator with wisdom.  While we aren’t in a hostile, brother against brother battle, we are still faced with our share of  adversaries. It’s not easy to be nice to those who oppose us, or who have even wounded us, but Christ directs us to do just that.  “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” Matthew 5:40.  Isn’t that just like God, to go in the exact opposite direction than we would choose?    More than just making nicey nicey to their face, we must genuinely go way beyond, to the point of praying for them!   How is that humanly possible?  It isn’t.  The only way it can be accomplished is by allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to guide our speech and actions.

 Lincoln knew that someday we were all going to be a nation again, and it was going to be a much easier transition if he was dealing with friends, than enemies. Are you ready to let His Spirit direct you?  The only right answer is, YES I AM!! Is there an enemy, today, you need to make into a to friend?  Please employ God’s wisdom in doing so.  If it was good enough for Lincoln, it’s certainly good enough for us! “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:44.