How Do We Love Those Who Hate Us?

In this episode of #STRask, hosts Amy Hall and Greg Kokel respond to a profound question from listener Eric: 'How do we love those who hate us?' They unpack the biblical concept of love not as an emotion, but as a deliberate, action-oriented commitment—citing C.S. Lewis, the Good Samaritan parable, and Jesus’ foot-washing in John 13 to illustrate that love is demonstrated through service and sacrifice, not feelings. The hosts emphasize that while we cannot control our emotions, we can control our actions, and that consistent loving behavior often leads to changed feelings over time. They outline three key principles: first, define love biblically as obedience to God’s commandments; second, be shaped by the gospel—recognizing our own need for grace so we can extend it to others; and third, trust in God’s justice rather than seeking personal revenge. The discussion highlights the spiritual maturity required to love enemies, likening the journey to a spiral staircase where challenges grow in depth, not diminish. Ultimately, the episode affirms that loving enemies is not weakness but a powerful witness to God’s character and a hallmark of Christian discipleship.