JOHN MALVINO ALFONSO
“None of us understand your life,” Sanjeev’s friend Naveen remarked. “It’s hard to predict when you’ll speak up or stay silent, when you’ll laugh or cry,” added Mariela, one of their group members.
“Why are you like this? Where does being everyone’s enemy lead?” questioned another friend. Sanjeev, amused, listened quietly. Whenever his behaviour didn’t align with his friends’ expectations, he faced such questions. Despite all this, Sanjeev remained poised and composed.
“Where does being everyone’s enemy lead?” is a question worth exploring who qualifies as an enemy? We might have heard statements like, ‘A country was invaded by an enemy’, ‘neighbours are enemies of neighbours’, and ‘we live as enemies within our own families’. When do we become enemies of others? Who is considered the enemy? It is good to review this.
When we think of ‘enemies’, we often imagine those who hold negative feelings toward us, obstruct our progress, or wish us harm. It’s unclear whether the concept of ‘enemy’ has evolved or if society views it differently today. Now, when we point out someone’s mistakes, the person offering feedback is often seen as the enemy. People may not realise how their actions are perceived or where they are heading, leading them to question why their behaviour is troubling to others and not universally understood.
That was the situation with Sanjeev, who lived by his principles and wanted a better future for his friends. When he discussed their lifestyle choices, they couldn’t handle his criticism, and gossip about him spread quickly. They began to see him as an enemy. Despite witnessing the breakdown of their relationship and feeling troubled, Sanjeev remained steadfast.
Jesus Christ calls us to love our enemies, challenging us to forgive and show love to those who wrong us. He not only taught this but also embodied it, never seeing anyone as an enemy despite being viewed as one Himself. Forgiving wrongdoers and building friendships to reform them is possible. For example, when Sister Rani Maria was murdered, her family chose to love the murderer. While the Governor of Madhya Pradesh said, “This is only possible for Christians.” While his observation may hold some truth, I believe such forgiveness is attainable for all.
When you offer positive feedback or advice within a group of friends or family, it is an act of service and love. However, for those who lack a clear sense of life’s purpose, such gestures may be met with resistance or anger. Consequently, we can sometimes find ourselves at odds with those closest to us. An individual may strive to live an ideal life without imposing their values on others, yet those who disagree with this way of life might reject or criticise them. In these cases, people often react defensively, attacking the behaviour of others out of fear or discomfort.
To navigate such challenges, we need to look to our Creator as a model for understanding and living life. Gaining insight into the true nature of life is crucial; it is important to be aware and informed. Criticising others without striving to live a good life ourselves is counterproductive. Embracing the positive aspects of others’ lives can enrich our own, rather than fearing or resenting their goodness and humanity.