With the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars ongoing, the US is focused on getting rid of two major groups: the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

It just happens that these groups are Muslim extremist groups. I do want to stress that the ast majority of Muslims are good people, just trying to live their lives, just like you and I. (Extremism isn’t only for Muslims, keep in mind that Christianity has its extremist groups too.)

But the fact of the matter remains that the Taliban and al-Qaeda are the enemies of many countries around the world, and especially the US, because of various terror attacks including the tragedy of 9/11. Because of this, American society would have us hate these enemies, but I say hate is what got us into this mess in the first place.

I’m not going to point fingers, or try to figure out who started the chain of events that led us to where we are now. What I will say is that neither the US nor the extremist groups are innocent. Both sides have made mistakes in their hatred and anger, and both sides are at fault for many things.

Hate, however, is the common denominator, and it shouldn’t be that way. In fact, Jesus preached quite the opposite.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons 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 brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 8:43-48)

Jesus would have us love everyone, enemy or not, and pray for those who persecute us. And he didn’t only preach it, he lied it. While hanging on the cross, after being brutally beaten and tortured, Jesus said “”Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) – he said that about the soldiers and religious leaders who were persecuting him.

Who are your enemies? What can you do to show them love and compassion? What can you pray for them? Is it possible for you to forgive what they’ve done to you in the past? Tell us what you think!