Yoder’s logic on the illogical idea of loving our enemies

What do I communicate to a man about the love of God by being willing to consider him an enemy? What do I say about personal responsibility by agreeing to consider him my enemy when it is only the hazard of birth that causes us to live under different flags? What do I say about forgiveness if I punish him for the sins of his rulers? How is it reconcilable with the gospel—good news—for the last word in my estimate of any man to be that, in a case of extreme conflict, it could be my duty to sacrifice his life for the sake of my nation, my security, or the political order which I prefer?¹

Questions that need reflection and a response. But these questions are introspective, personal. Some will not dwell on or answer the questions. Some will dismiss the possibility of real enemy love being a part of Jesus’ Good News they will reject any sort of credibility these questions may have. Still others will take the subject of enemy love quite seriously and consider the ramifications of the Good News. May all of us consider, and reconsider, how Jesus would have us love our enemies.

It’s not logical. It’s not reasonable. And it is certainly not safe. But Jesus never used those words when he talked about the Kingdom of God or when telling us how his disciples would live and fair in this world.
¹ John H. Yoder, The Original Revolution: Essays on Christian Pacifism, pg. 41.