The teaching of Jesus Christ is a total reversal of the Old Testament teaching on the subject of love for your enemies. The OT Jews taught ‘love your neighbour but hate your enemies’. God’s Son Jesus Christ came and died on the cross opening a new Way of love and forgiveness.
43 You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor” and hate your
enemy; Lev. 19:18
44 but I say to you, Love your enemies; bless those cursing you, do well to those hating you; and pray for those abusing and persecuting you,
45 so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven.Matthew 5:43-45a KJ3
This commandment emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and kindness towards those who harm us, rather than rejoicing in their demise.
Christians should mourn the death of their enemies, just as they would mourn the death of any human being.
Death for anyone is the enemy.
26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1 Corinthians 15:26
All humans are on the same side. Death is our common enemy.
Ironically even a Talmudic teaching warns against rejoicing at the downfall of others, as seen in the statement “Do not rejoice at your enemy’s downfall” (Pirkei Avot Shmuel haKatan).
This emphasis on compassion and empathy towards enemies is echoed in Christian teachings on loving one’s enemies. It is the one attribute that Jesus taught His disciples that sets His teaching apart from all others who came before or after Him.
Recently a Zionist ‘Christian’ on Facebook wrote to me:
Hey Gideon are you upset that Israel has taken out both the leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas? You must be in mourning that these terrorist organisations are collapsing under the military power of Israel hey? I am sure this is a day of sadness for you! While people who love the bible are celebrating!
I do not support any side in a war. I do not support terrorist activities against any people group whoever perpetrates them. I do not support terrorism, period.
I mourn the death of any human, whether they be Jew or Gentile. They are all people made in the image of God. They are not animals, but human beings with husbands, wives and children. I do not celebrate the death of any. The idea of celebrating someone’s death is so anti-Christ, so anti-human.
I think Jesus would weep at the coldness and heartlessness of this guy who claims to be a follower of Christ. His language resonates more with those who hate Jesus Christ and His message of love and compassion, especially for those who are lost without Him.
Let’s not forget that while we were sinners Christ died for us.
8 But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 AKJV
According to Romans 3:10-12, Psalm 14:1-3, and Psalm 53:1-3, the Bible declares that “there is none righteous, no, not one.” This passage emphasizes that humanity, both Jews and Gentiles alike, is incapable of meeting God’s standards of righteousness.
Those who think they are righteous are in fact all together filthy in the greatest depth of sin. Such sin is presumptuous, arrogant, and proud.
King David prayed thus:
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous [arrogant, proud] sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.Psalm 19:13-14 ESV
The sin of pride and arrogance is what leads to wars in the first place. So, a true follower of Christ cannot celebrate the death of anyone, including his enemies.
Thank God, Jesus Christ, the last Adam, broke the power of death in our lives. On the cross He defeated Satan and gave to all those who put their trust in Him eternal life. That is, He defeated death on that cross.
If you have not yet trusted Jesus Christ I suggest you humble yourself, set aside your presumptuous sins, and call out to Jesus Christ. For “anyone who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved” (Romans 10:13, quoting Joel 2:32). This promise is not limited to a specific group or people, Jew or Gentile, but is extended to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, social status, or background.
Follow me
- Telegram.org: @GideonHartnett
- X (Twitter): @gideon195203
To be notified by email put your email address in the box at the bottom of your screen. You’ll get an email each time we publish a new article.
Click this image to make a secure Donation (Stripe) !
Bible Science Forum 