Can a Foe be a Friend?

When I first entered upon ministry, I was advised to be "friendly to all; familiar to none." There is an element of truth in this and it has served me well in dealing with people.

Funny thing, during the 2nd World War as the Germans were bombing London to ashes we "hated" the Germans. Yet, when a German bomber was shot down, we ran to help any survivors. I hated Germans so badly our bridesmaid was a German citizen!

We must learn to differentiate between "hating" the enemy and what they stand for and "loving" the individual for the gospel's sake.

Even Jesus walked lovingly amongst His enemies.

Cheers,

Jim

 

I think it depends on the context of the statement. Was it a personal enemy or a positional enemy?

Jesus was a friend of sinners and our sin has made us His enemies.

One of the real weak points of the internet and a board like this is that we often write statements we would never say in person.

 

Liberal theology sends people to hell. It should be fought like it. A person who calls himself Christian, but will lie about what the bible says, is a bigger enemy to me than the unsaved.

 

So anyone you deem liberal is going to hell?

I agree with your statement, but I expect we disagree on who is not telling the truth in the Bible.

Oh, and yes, it is very possible to completely disagree with others and be friends, even theologically disagree. I worked with a man I considered a good friend, but we completely disagreed on almost all issues, especially theologically. If a Christian harbors hatred for anyone that person should pray for forgiveness, turn that hatred over to Christ and get that hatred out of their life.

 

I don't see a lot of loving interactions between Christ, and those who lied about scripture. Could you show us an example ?

 

Jesus said in Matthew:

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

 

On BB anyone we disagree with is automatically a liar. That's the list convention.

 

That's a lie billwald and you are a liar.

 

Not true. A disagreement is one thing. Hyperbole on your part.

 

Yes, but no one else will understand your post. <G>

 

Can a Foe be a Friend?

I thought you had to sign up as one or the other.

 

I have a friend who disagrees with everything I say, but he is still my friend. Of course, since we have so little in common, he isn't what I would call a good friend.