Labels and Loving our Enemies

I haven’t figured out how labeling people can align with loving one’s enemies.

Just in the realm of politics alone, there are a multitude of labels that are used to either self-describe one’s beliefs, or to demean one’s opponents. Sometimes those labels are the same. The only difference being the intent.

Just the labels off the top of my head that fit this are: leftist, MAGA, liberal, conservative, fascist, communist, antifa, patriot, BLM, Back the Blue, Trumper, Never Trumper. That’s not counting the labels that we give to those we disagree with that they would never give to themselves. Those labels are meant to demean, and in some cases, to dehumanize.

When we dehumanize it makes it much easier to keep someone an enemy, to scapegoat, to blame, etc. We aren’t dealing with a person who have value after all. We’re dealing with something evil that is meant to be defeated. We stop seeing the image of God in the other person. We become more concerned with winning. But why? What do we really gain when we win and others lose — whether that is actually the case or not.

This coming Sunday, the Gospel reading is from Luke 6:27–38. Here Jesus gives this message:

“‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and…