Enemies

I imagine somebody will say, ‘Well, if one is allowed to condemn the enemy’s acts, and punish him, and kill him, what difference is left between Christian morality and the ordinary view?’ All the difference in the world. Remember, we Christians think man lives for ever. Therefore, what really matters is those little marks or twists on the central, inside part of the soul which are going to turn it, in the long run, into a heavenly or a hellish creature. We may kill if necessary, but we must not hate and enjoy hating. We may punish if necessary, but we must not enjoy it… Even while we kill and punish we must try to feel about the enemy as we feel about ourselves – to wish that he were not so bad, to hope that he may, in this world or another, be cured: in fact, to wish his good. This is what is meant in the Bible by loving him: wishing his good, not feeling fond of him nor saying he is nice when he is not. ---C.live S.taples Lewis pg 119, 120



"In my life, I have prayed but one prayer: oh Lord, make my enemies ridiculous. And God granted it." -Voltaire

"Beware of no man more than of yourself; we carry our worst enemies within us." - C.H Spurgeon

"Even a paranoid can have enemies." - Henry Kissinger

And yes bwus wee: "Take no thought of who is right or wrong or who is better than. Be not for or against." - Bruce Lee

I would love to hear your thoughts. Especially regarding Clive's comments, they challenge some of my previous feelings regarding the reconciliation of grace and justice.