Loving your enemies

[יהוה_saves]

Christ said to love your enemies at Matt 5v43:

43 You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Lately, I’m really struggling with this scriptural concept.

I have a sibling that only ever causes trouble for me. Many have told me to avoid her, and I am, but she still continues to cause trouble, she interferes in my private business, that of my husband, and more, and she has made my life miserable pretty much my entire adult life.

How does one love his enemies?

Is there a Watchman post on this?

Satan is using this situation to attack my faith, and to accuse me day and night. It’s so hard.

PLEASE HELP!

 

[Medi-tator]

Christ said to love your enemies at Matt 5v43:

43 You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Lately, I’m really struggling with this scriptural concept.

I have a sibling that only ever causes trouble for me. Many have told me to avoid her, and I am, but she still continues to cause trouble, she interferes in my private business, that of my husband, and more, and she has made my life miserable pretty much my entire adult life.

How does one love his enemies?

Is there a Watchman post on this?

Satan is using this situation to attack my faith, and to accuse me day and night. It’s so hard.

PLEASE HELP!

Back in the early 90's I was taught a prayer as part of my recovery from alcoholism from my sponsor in AA. As is well known, AA patterns its 12 step program after Jesus' teachings. Anyway, the prayer went something like this...

"God, please help all the people in my life, dead or alive, who did me wrong, real or perceived, and may good things come to them."

Of course this prayer is potentially not a solution for you Kim as your spiritual comprehension and discernment is far advanced from this overly simplistic concept, but even for me after having been a baptized JW for 20 years at the time of learning the 12 steps of AA, this silly little prayer worked on my psyche just enough to help me understand what Jesus meant in the scriptures you quote in your post. So maybe, just maybe, you might try to consistently pray for your troublesome sibling. Actually doing the praying and doing so consistently might be the missing key.

I hope the best for you as always and will pray for you and your sibling myself. But as always, God's will be done is the paramount issue.

Love,

Med

 

[Patricia]

That's terrible. I can't imagine how hard that must be to deal with. I didn't get along with one of my brothers but we just stayed away from each other, not a problem.
Have you confronted her and asked her what her problem is because obviously she has a problem. Can you have a civil conversation with her? If so let love conquer the evil.
Other than that, and a lot of prayer, someone smart(not me) once said that we are about as happy as we make up our minds to be, and that no one can ruin our day unless we let them.
I know it's a lot harder than it sounds. You are one step ahead though, you realize that it's Satan causing the trouble. What's the scripture??? We have a wrestling with the powers of this darkness, wicked spirit forces, my memory not so good but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. If you know the cause is Satan then the answer is Jehovah.
I hope things calm down for you and that you can make peace with your sister. I wish I had the opportunity to do that with my brother but he took his own life many years ago so I have to hope that he will be resurrected. Praying for your peace, sister. Oh and how are things going with that fire, are they keeping it away from you?

 

[יהוה_saves]

@Medi-tator

You’re right, sometimes the answer to complex problems is not more complexity, but a real dose of simplicity. I am over-complexifying it. It’s just, she does things that upset me and she does them to upset me, deliberate things, sometimes small, but she’s also done gigantic things to destroy me.

I do well for a time, until finally she does something to tip me completely off balance.

She is older than i am, likes to control my life, and really resented it when I dedicated my life to Jehovah and Watchtower and got baptized.

When i left last year, she expected I would join her church. I thought about it, but i couldn’t do it, I would sooner not believe in a God than believe Jesus is God and humans have an immortal soul. So, i said thanks but no thanks, in so many words. Things seemed ok awhile, until i found e-watchman and began forging friendships, found my spiritual feet again, gained strength, and then it started again. Everything she does is behind my back. i go along, thinking everything is fine and then every single time, i find out about her betrayals. these things always have a way of bubbling to the surface.

But this time i let it go too far- my feelings blew up inside of me and i felt this intense hatred boil up. I didn’t hand it off to God when i should have. Though i kept most of it bottled up, my emotions caused me to think things and feel things that are unChrisitan.

It’s so important to keep it simple, and hand it off it God, let it go and move forward.

Thanks for showing me that @Medi-tator

@Patricia- yes, i confronted her, i was upset but not abusive. I asked her why she did this lastest thing, and she lied to me, and so i confronted her on that too, so now two things, the original betrayal and the lie to cover it up. And all i needed, all i wanted to hear from her was I’m sorry, but that’s not in her. Maybe not even I’m sorry, but some, ANY, gesture of remorse, or regret or even just kindness. it’s just not in her. she doubled down on cruel. it’s what she always does. Yes i know Satan is doing this. He’s leading me to a place to accuse me. I know this. And i let it happen. Now i regroup, and start over. right?

 

[PJ54]

@Medi-tator

You’re right, sometimes the answer to complex problems is not more complexity, but a real dose of simplicity. I am over-complexifying it. It’s just, she does things that upset me and she does them to upset me, deliberate things, sometimes small, but she’s also done gigantic things to destroy me.

I do well for a time, until finally she does something to tip me completely off balance.

She is older than i am, likes to control my life, and really resented it when I dedicated my life to Jehovah and Watchtower and got baptized.

When i left last year, she expected I would join her church. I thought about it, but i couldn’t do it, I would sooner not believe in a God than believe Jesus is God and humans have an immortal soul. So, i said thanks for no thanks, in so many words. Things seemed ok for awhile, until i found e-watchman and began forging friendships, found my spiritual feet again, gained strength, and then it started again. Everything she does is behind my back. i go along, thinking everything is fine and then every single time, i find out about her betrayals. these things always have a way of bubbling to the surface.

But this time i let it go too far- my feelings blew up inside of me and i felt this intense hatred boil up. I didn’t hand it off to God when i should have. Though i kept most of it bottled up, my emotions caused me to think things and feel things that are unChrisitan.

It’s so important to keep it simple, and hand it off it God, let it go and move forward.

Thanks for showing me that @Medi-tator

@Patricia- yes, i confronted her, i was upset but not abusive. I asked her why she did this lastest thing, and she lied to me, and so i confronted her on that too, so now two things, the original betrayal and the lie to cover it up. And all i needed, all i wanted to hear from her was I’m sorry, but that’s not in her. Maybe not even I’m sorry, but some, ANY, gesture of remorse, or regret or even just kindness. it’s just not in her. she doubled down on cruel. it’s what she always does. Yes i know Satan is doing this. He’s leading me to a place to accuse me. I know this. And i let it happen. Now i regroup, and start over. right?

I remember you had told me about her a while ago. Since she's a Pentecostal (if my memory serves me well), you might have to confront her using the Bible against her. If she's saying something or doing something, point to something Jesus said & let the Word word like the sword that it is.

 

[יהוה_saves]

trying to share bible truth with her is like throwing pearls. . .

one time i want to share a scripture with her and she told me she was too lazy to read it.

i never went there again.

But yes she is a church goer.

There is a big difference between church goer and bible lover.

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

Back in the early 90's I was taught a prayer as part of my recovery from alcoholism from my sponsor in AA. As is well known, AA patterns its 12 step program after Jesus' teachings. Anyway, the prayer went something like this...

"God, please help all the people in my life, dead or alive, who did me wrong, real or perceived, and may good things come to them."

Of course this prayer is potentially not a solution for you Kim as your spiritual comprehension and discernment is far advanced from this overly simplistic concept, but even for me after having been a baptized JW for 20 years at the time of learning the 12 steps of AA, this silly little prayer worked on my psyche just enough to help me understand what Jesus meant in the scriptures you quote in your post. So maybe, just maybe, you might try to consistently pray for your troublesome sibling. Actually doing the praying and doing so consistently might be the missing key.

I hope the best for you as always and will pray for you and your sibling myself. But as always, God's will be done is the paramount issue.

Love,

Med

Med, that was so very thoughtful of you to share that with our sister. We’re going through so much out here with friends who we were once close to or in some cases family members who have cut us off or mistreat us.

I know that your support is appreciated brother. 👍🏼

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

Christ said to love your enemies at Matt 5v43:

43 You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Lately, I’m really struggling with this scriptural concept.

I have a sibling that only ever causes trouble for me. Many have told me to avoid her, and I am, but she still continues to cause trouble, she interferes in my private business, that of my husband, and more, and she has made my life miserable pretty much my entire adult life.

How does one love his enemies?

Is there a Watchman post on this?

Satan is using this situation to attack my faith, and to accuse me day and night. It’s so hard.

PLEASE HELP!

_saves Ok, I’m going to try and put my two cents worth in.

As I was reading Jesus’ words at Matthew 5: 43, continuing to read on at 45-46, as you can see, Jehovah is kind and generous to humans every day whether they are wicked or good. Everyone who has ever lived has benefited from Jehovah’s goodness.

Verse 46 let’s us know that it’s easy to love and treat those with love those who reciprocate and therefore would not merit any reward from God. Even the tax collectors showed love for people who loved them. And verse 47 also conveys the same thought.

The point is, going back to verse 45 shows that we should treat our enemies accordingly, but no, we don’t let or allow them to abuse us, we have to just do our part, let it go, pray to Jehovah and move on. I know that sounds easier than done but the old adage proves true ‘practice makes perfect.‘ Well, realistically, close to perfect. Lol In other words, we have to practice loving our enemies.

The key word is ‘practice’ and with Jehovah’s help we can accomplish this. It doesn’t mean we condone or enjoy their mistreatment of us but this will help to not make us retaliate.

You remember what I told you about my daughter in law? That was a similar experience I definitely learned from.

Also, read about the account of Joseph and his brothers. Remember how horrible they treated him?

These are examples we can read about that can help us. We still might struggle, but because we can relate to the struggles they went through, it can give us the strength we need to cope.

Romans 15:4 “For all things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Love ya sis,
hold on, we’re almost there, remember,
we need to be here for each other during these critical times. 💕

😊

 

[Sunshower]

Your relationship with your sister is similar like mine with my brother, so I’ll give you my two cents.

Loving someone doesn’t mean you have to be in contact with them. Yes, she’s your sister, but you didn’t exactly get to choose and family can be cruel. To love her means to forgive her, but you have no obligation to interact with her as her intentions aren’t good, even though she might not even know it.

I broke off all contact with my brother about 10 years ago. He still has a massive influence over my mother and, like with you, it’s not good. But it gave me peace of mind, not right away, it took about two years, but now he’s not able to manipulate the people around me as it has no hold on me anymore. My mom tried to get us back together in the beginning, setting up meetings without me knowing so I told her in no uncertain terms how I felt and she had to accept my decision. She does now, although she doesn’t like it.

Some characters just clash and it being family, especially an older sibling makes it harder, they think that being born before you gives them a certain right to treat you inferior. But you’re an adult, you don’t live in the same house anymore and just because it’s family doesn’t mean you automatically get along.

I know you pray about this a lot and I know how much pain it causes you. If you’re ready to walk away, it will happen. You are a sweet person and you don’t deserve to be treated like this. I’m keeping you in my prayers, sis, and hope you’ll find a solution that will give you peace.

 

[Maybelle]

Christ said to love your enemies at Matt 5v43:

43 You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighborand hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Lately, I’m really struggling with this scriptural concept.

I have a sibling that only ever causes trouble for me. Many have told me to avoid her, and I am, but she still continues to cause trouble, she interferes in my private business, that of my husband, and more, and she has made my life miserable pretty much my entire adult life.

How does one love his enemies?

Is there a Watchman post on this?

Satan is using this situation to attack my faith, and to accuse me day and night. It’s so hard.

PLEASE HELP!

I have a relative like this who causes a lot of trouble. For my own sake I have had to cut this person off. I do feel bad, but you Have to look after your own well-being too. Loving your enemies means you don’t use hate toward them or try to do them harm, just because you distance yourself from someone doesn’t mean you hate them you are protecting yourself

 

[JMJ]

Your relationship with your sister is similar like mine with my brother, so I’ll give you my two cents.

Loving someone doesn’t mean you have to be in contact with them. Yes, she’s your sister, but you didn’t exactly get to choose and family can be cruel. To love her means to forgive her, but you have no obligation to interact with her as her intentions aren’t good, even though she might not even know it.

I broke off all contact with my brother about 10 years ago. He still has a massive influence over my mother and, like with you, it’s not good. But it gave me peace of mind, not right away, it took about two years, but now he’s not able to manipulate the people around me as it has no hold on me anymore. My mom tried to get us back together in the beginning, setting up meetings without me knowing so I told her in no uncertain terms how I felt and she had to accept my decision. She does now, although she doesn’t like it.

Some characters just clash and it being family, especially an older sibling makes it harder, they think that being born before you gives them a certain right to treat you inferior. But you’re an adult, you don’t live in the same house anymore and just because it’s family doesn’t mean you automatically get along.

I know you pray about this a lot and I know how much pain it causes you. If you’re ready to walk away, it will happen. You are a sweet person and you don’t deserve to be treated like this. I’m keeping you in my prayers, sis, and hope you’ll find a solution that will give you peace.

I have nothing to do with any of my sisters etc . It does not mean I hate them , it means that they are not good for my spiritual health . I use the , "Bad association spoils useful habits, a little Leaven ferments the whole loaf " as useful to help me not associate with them . It is very hard , and lonely , but well worth keeping to .

 

[Patricia]

@Medi-tator

You’re right, sometimes the answer to complex problems is not more complexity, but a real dose of simplicity. I am over-complexifying it. It’s just, she does things that upset me and she does them to upset me, deliberate things, sometimes small, but she’s also done gigantic things to destroy me.

I do well for a time, until finally she does something to tip me completely off balance.

She is older than i am, likes to control my life, and really resented it when I dedicated my life to Jehovah and Watchtower and got baptized.

When i left last year, she expected I would join her church. I thought about it, but i couldn’t do it, I would sooner not believe in a God than believe Jesus is God and humans have an immortal soul. So, i said thanks but no thanks, in so many words. Things seemed ok awhile, until i found e-watchman and began forging friendships, found my spiritual feet again, gained strength, and then it started again. Everything she does is behind my back. i go along, thinking everything is fine and then every single time, i find out about her betrayals. these things always have a way of bubbling to the surface.

But this time i let it go too far- my feelings blew up inside of me and i felt this intense hatred boil up. I didn’t hand it off to God when i should have. Though i kept most of it bottled up, my emotions caused me to think things and feel things that are unChrisitan.

It’s so important to keep it simple, and hand it off it God, let it go and move forward.

Thanks for showing me that @Medi-tator

@Patricia- yes, i confronted her, i was upset but not abusive. I asked her why she did this lastest thing, and she lied to me, and so i confronted her on that too, so now two things, the original betrayal and the lie to cover it up. And all i needed, all i wanted to hear from her was I’m sorry, but that’s not in her. Maybe not even I’m sorry, but some, ANY, gesture of remorse, or regret or even just kindness. it’s just not in her. she doubled down on cruel. it’s what she always does. Yes i know Satan is doing this. He’s leading me to a place to accuse me. I know this. And i let it happen. Now i regroup, and start over. right?

Hi Kim. Absolutely! Regroup and start over. We all stumble and some of us fall, (namely me). Lol. But the important part is that we get back up and continue on. I'm sure you know Satan wants us to stay knocked down. He wants us to give up trying. So our goal is to 'pull a Job' and never 'curse God and die'.
Just a note on forgiveness, a few things I've learned: 1) forgiveness is not a feeling it's a choice. 2) thinking about how much I have been forgiven for by Jehovah, helps me forgive others 3) those who hurt us may never feel any remorse, they may never deserve forgiveness. Forgiveness isn't for them, it's for us.
Those who don't want forgiveness are the losers in this. Take her off your hook and put her on God's hook.
May God give you peace Kim. Hope this helps some.
Love ya sis💕

 

[PJ54]

One thing that came to mind is to prank your sister. Take some gravy & fill it in a whoopie cushion, then take some sticky duct tape & double it to stick to the whoopie cushion & the pants that sits on it. When the time comes, put it on your sisters chair when she sits & WHAM! It'll look like she had diarrhea all over the place. It's putting a new spin on an old gag & it's best for white pants! Seriously though I don't suggest that but just something funny to mention.