Love & forgiveness are two qualities which harmonize us with the Spirit of God. For, regardless of our actions God loves us unconditionally; and if we seek His face with penitent hearts, striving not to commit the same offense twice, in His mercy God forgives us for our wrongs.

Therefore, when Jesus said “love your enemies” he was calling humanity to follow in the ways of God. For, as he also said, “be holy as your Father is heaven is holy”. And we need to realize that good or bad, we are all God’s children and deserving of love & forgiveness.

Who at some point has not stumbled in their own walk?  Which one of us has not said something they regretted or acted in a way they wish they didn’t and as a result perhaps offended or hurt anothers’ feelings, thereby creating an enemy?

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Those who act out of anger or treat us harshly forget that all are made in the image & likeness of God. Hatred & anger clouds their minds and makes them act from ignorance. As such they lose consciousness of their own inner divinity & that of the people around them.  They become forgetful of the truth that we are all brethren.

So, why give hate for hate? Why return an angry word for an angry word? Why should we imitate those who are ignorant & deluded?

Should we not strive to be better than that? Should we not seek to become masters of our emotions; & not react in the way of someone who is “imbalanced”?

When we come across someone who acts negatively toward us, we must cultivate the consciousness of love & forgiveness and separate the God-image soul from the expression of the ego. To see God both in friend & enemy is the measuring stick for one’s own spiritual development. It takes great strength to “bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). But, this is the spiritual challenge that is set before us all.

Now it is not necessary to try to socialize with one’s enemies; often it is much better to love them at a distance. But, whenever your paths may cross know that it is your spiritual duty to remain in a consciousness of love. For, to hate one’s enemies only makes them stronger; while a mental expression of love can help to change the heart & attitude of the “spiritually sick” individual. For, the truth is that we are all connected in more ways than we understand; & everything we do, both good or bad, has an effect on those around us.

So, when wronged, say in your heart “I forgive you!”; when someone wishes you evil, wish them good; and pray to God that He blesses them with freedom from their anger, hatred, and ignorance. Be merciful, as God is merciful. And help all, because God is your Father and all are your kin. Anyone who wants to know God must learn to love & forgive; just as our Father loves & forgives us. And those who love their enemies are surely loved by God.

Even Krishna said, “More superior is the one who with spiritual intelligence acts equally towards well-wishers, enemies, the envious and friends, the saintly and the sinful.”  (Bhagavad-Gita 6:9)

God bless you in your journey & remember to always — Heed the Spirit,

Anthony

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