WHY MUST I LOVE MY ENEMIES?

Christ calls to what may seem impossible. But St Gregory Palamas reminds us that this love is inate to humanity. But this call to love is more than any humanitarian teaching.

[@FatherSpyridonROCOR]

I invite you to take a look at my books here: www.amazon.com/s?k=father+spyridon+bailey&ref=nb_sb_noss

[@1541965]

Jesus said love your enemy and Satan is our enemy . Do you love satan as your enemy ?

[@Cryolyptic]

Matthew 23:9 “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”

[@Alex-hz2xg]

@@1541965 Is sin considered an enemy? But surely we should not love sin? Don't make your own interpretations of the Gospel. We should love the sinner but we should hate the sin. Especially our own sins. When we truly love God and truly love our neighbor then there is no room for the devil. We should not love evil or fight evil. Instead we should love Christ. "No one ever became holy by fighting evil. We only become holy by falling in love with Christ." - -Wounded by Love, St Porphyrios

[@Alex-hz2xg]

@@1541965 Christ tells us His two greatest commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Do you anywhere see "love the devil" in these two commandments? Therefore "love your enemy" is about any neighbors we might see as our enemies and not at all the devil.

[@stephaniebailey3070]

@@Alex-hz2xg I agree Alex, well said. But he's just trolling.

[@josephstanick8395]

It’s very difficult to be a true Christian. Thank God for his infinite grace.

[@HubertofLiege]

@@Bb-pw1zi the Bible may have been canonized three hundred years after Christ, but the gospels were written soon after and Paul’s letters as well. Instead of interpreting scripture yourself you should look at the church and church fathers for context and meaning.

[@josephstanick8395]

@@Bb-pw1zi I have no doubts as to the existence of Jesus Christ. If I have any doubts, they are in my ability to live up to the standards that Jesus has set for all of us.

[@maurice5402]

@@Bb-pw1zi My friend, the gospels were written down around 50 years after Christ passed away. This is a while, but the gospel writers remembered very clearly the story of Christ, because it was the most significant thing that happened in their lives. You must also realise that in those times, much information was carried around by people instead of being written down. This does not make it any less true however. It also wouldn't make any sense that so many people were willing to die for something if it wasn't true. Early Christians suffered through so much, because they suffered for the truth. There is an abundance of reasonable evidence for God existing and Christ being the son of God, but reason will not get you all the way there. Your thoughts are also of this world and will often deceive you. At a certain point you have to take a leap of faith, it's the only way. God bless you, I hope this helps.

[@captainquint25]

"With God....ALL things are possible".

[@HubertofLiege]

@@Bb-pw1zi the Orthodox Church has 2000 years of continuity of doctrine and worship. Believed always, everywhere by everyone is the saying

[@Caledoniadream]

"When we struggle, we attract God's Grace" truly wise words!

[@urijackell]

May God grant you many years Father. You are such a blessing to us all. I am so very grateful that Christ our good and loving God has given you the grace and the courage necessary to continue speaking His Truths. Keep fighting the good fight Father. We are praying for you. Please say a prayer for my family and me the sinner. With love in Christ, Christos ☦️

[@mariamadsen7071]

Amen!

[@qwertz7637]

How old is he?

[@RoadKing-ky2bs]

Father Spyridon: I love your sermons because you explain everything in a clear and well thought out way. Today's message is desperately needed in our fallen world and serves as a reminder for ourselves who follow the teachings of Christ. This subject on forgiveness is probably one of the most difficult to overcome and to apply in our lives, especially when we have been hurt or been unjustly treated by others.

[@mariamadsen7071]

Amen! I share the same sentiments, thank you 🙏 very well expressed ❤️

[@saoirsehaslonglegs2313]

Well said,so true.,God Bless Everyone,💯🙏🏿❤🙏🏿❤

[@D_R757]

This video came up on youtube right after I had an ugly fight with my wife, I feel that God wanted me to hear this lesson. Thank you Father, God bless you.

[@psjasker]

Could be worse … I knew a man who had a fight with his ugly wife

[@starshooter7128]

@@psjasker Of course I know him, he is me.

[@Stophatingalready]

I had a 2 wild days. Struggling with Anger, because my flesh is going crazy retaining at 19 yrs old. Probably i got demonic attacked as well, I got mad at my mother, I got mad at God, and I continually have homicidal thoughts. May God have mercy on me, a sinner

[@wintanawelday3228]

@@Stophatingalready Hang in there buddy, make your struggles known to Christ. Make your relationship vivid. He’s got your back even in fire. He may be testing your faith in Him and He may be helping you to sift through your weaknesses by having them bubbling up to the surface. That is a way for you to become aware of evil in one’s heart, repent and confess 🤍

[@AB-qt3uz]

This is one of those sermons that you've heard a thousand times before, but still need to hear again. Thank you father.

[@jonpro9637]

Amin

[@alexa.9446]

One way to begin is to realize that people who are being cruel are usually suffering emotionally, or suffer ignorance or abuse in the past, and are also going to suffer in the future. That realization can give us access to empathy more easily.

[@giiggii11]

This is the hardest commandments to follow. This is the real test🙏🙏🙏

[@ivansince91]

God bless you father Spyridon.

[@jmlc61]

I praise the Lord for your spiritual guidance, which is priceless, especially in the times we are living.

[@antonkirani2758]

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Thank you for your words Father.

[@maurice5402]

These videos nourish my soul.

[@lilyawood]

I need to remember to be meek, humble, and most importantly, patient with others. I’m not the type of person to accept disrespect, none of my family is, but I regret decisions I’ve made and things I’ve said behind closed doors recently. I rushed to get out of a situation to avoid being treated poorly, but ended up screwing over everyone who didn’t even deserve it. Basically I quit my job right in the middle of my shift because of how my manager was treating me. Even if I think I deserve to be treated better, it isn’t right to put my cross down onto others. I want God’s grace to fully forgive my coworkers and to be forgiven by them

[@MJS2376]

You're on the Way of Repentance. Having made similar mistakes myself, I've learned to ask Him to guide me and show me the best way to make amends to those I've disrespected and hurt, regardless of their response - whether it be negative or positive. "Keep your side of the street clean" (an old AA saying). God bless, I'll pray for you Lily - please pray for me to receive more of God's grace as well. ☦

[@stephaniedegange2737]

lily...thank you for your help...i have recently been hurt and disrespected. now it's been ten days later since the terrible incident, and already you have helped me to understand why i must forgive. forgiveness will remove the acid in a paper cup. my heart is the paper cup.

[@TByronK]

Thank you Fr. Spyridon once again, this message needs several viewings it is so important.

[@downundertruckerusa4733]

Your words help me so very much. These are dark times and your words add light to my world

[@abrahampalmer8761]

Same I don't want hatred in my heart for anyone anymore

[@yapooa]

Your message is a gift from God to me. My brother did me wrong and I have even prayed for his suffering and death. Now, I realize how wrong I have been and I do still love my brother and ask forgiveness from God for my sinful prayers.

[@mcimc558]

Call him . I had a bad situation with my sister for years didn't speak to her thank God we reconciled and she passed away on her 59th birthday she knew I loved her and🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@dionysios4714]

Amen. This was so good, thank you Father.

[@kalebkizmet7514]

I am non denominational and you are my favorite preacher...may God protect and guard you Fr. Spyridon...you are a light in this dark world!

[@adiaarau4463]

Became like the father Spyridon and you will be a light in this dark world too!

[@Queen-of-Swords]

This is the most difficult teaching to take on board. My parents treated me so terribly, eventually I had my own children and in order to protect them, I cut ties. Forgiveness is not a problem. That is easy. They have their problems and the way they are has earned them few friends. They are both atheists, although my father is a sentimental drunk, so he would admit to being agnostic at that time. Sometimes it is worth remembering that Jesus was not always meek and mild. The tale of the moneylenders in the temple is just one example. There is a point at which you have to retreat from them. Being disabled I simply lack the fortitude to deal with the nastiness.

[@dabearsvt]

Thank you, Father Spyridon. I needed these words.

[@heatherwhitehead3743]

I'm lucky then. My love ones, my family came as my enemies in this life. So my heart became divided into itself. Forgiveness comes with a united whole heart. I love this channel. Thank You Father

[@1541965]

Jesus said love your enemy and Satan is our enemy . Do you love satan as your enemy ?

[@trysam]

@@1541965 before I answer you علاء tell us who is the father of Qthm (mohamed) origin name & how his mama give birth to him 4 years after his father death would she be called whore ? And mo called son of whore ? Is that's why he refused to pray on her grave ? Is that's why in Islam obviously not widely announced to the public that's is legal for a muslim woman name her child on her man 4 years after her man died !!! 🧐 Oh kid just that's first tinny simple question

[@cryosteam3944]

@@1541965 “a house divided cannot stand.” - Jesus Satan does not dwell in the house or kingdom of God. we don’t have to love him, to even suggest this is satanic folly. God bless you.

[@EM-mr3sg]

Mine too. It’s really bad.

[@EM-mr3sg]

Not love, but forgive. Hate is not of God.

[@oakinson1585]

This is one of the most important messages from Christ to love all and to have mercy on everyone as our ever loving god has mercy on us our outlook on life changes forever what a glorious gift of mercy our lord Jesus Christ has given us Amen brothers and sisters

[@jimlamanna7564]

This should be on repeat for me

[@fildefaite2449]

Thank you father for this beautiful message. This is something I struggle with daily. May God grant you a long life. You are truly a blessing.

[@hardcodedgamer2265]

Loving our enemies in my opinion is important because that way we do something great for ourselves we bring peace to our selves by making peace with our enemies in our hearts,loving our enemies means to not live in fear from them anymore,fear of harming them or they harming us.So yes we must love our enemies

[@gigig2492]

Thank you, dear Father Spyridon! ☦️

[@shur7318]

I once practiced “ love your enemies “ that Jesus taught when the moment came upon me when confronted by a robber and thief of a home invasion of my parents house I I was suddenly trapped on the drive way by the thief who was about to drive away with my mothers car all loaded up in stolen items but my truck blocked him from leaving ! I was worried about both mother and fathers fates in the house whether he had killed them or not? I asked him if he had harmed them ? He said no I told him to walk away and leave freely he told me he could not because my truck was blocking him from doing so . He attempted to get me into the house by saying he would show me my parents were ok I did not listen and was able to escape it’s long story and all worked out in the end he was captured both parents survived the ordeal ! My point is loving you enemies was the lesson I sought to release this young man from his evil works by setting him free that was god lesson for me that day btw I did not know this man was holding a gun at the time I never looked at his hands I only know one thing God was very much with me in those dire moments in time. Thank you fr for this very important lesson

[@know_not_wickedness]

Father your words have inspired me to reach greater understanding in Christ's teachings for all of us and may you be blessed a thousand times in Heavan.

[@followerofjesuschristourgo2432]

Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for this. God bless you always father spiridon ✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️

[@angiemitrisin-marshall5954]

Very powerful Father! Thank you 🙏🏾☦️

[@TheInsida1]

Thank you Father S for this challenging and powerful talk. Forgiveness is a difficult but fundamental issue in Christianity and I wonder how possible it is at times. We need a meaningful debate in the global church about what forgiveness is and what it isn't- too many abusers have been given free reign in the Catholic church for example, perhaps partly due to misplaced notions of forgiveness as well as parts of the church at times caring more about its reputation than love and justice.

[@RadixVerum]

Amen 🙏

[@1541965]

Jesus said love your enemy and Satan is our enemy . Do you love satan as your enemy ?

[@devonmacdonald4439]

@@1541965 no but God is referring to humans not Satan.

[@lisahyyppa3360]

🙏♥️🥰 Ephesians 3:17-19 King James Version 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

[@PaurRoo777]

The world today needs this message so much..tha k you

[@caroldamatopoulos6936]

Thank you father spyridon May God Grant many years. Truly inspiring, God has granted you the gift of simplicity of explaining Gods teachings, in such a way that it touches our hearts. Keep up the good fight. Father bless 🙏 From Australia

[@wendyflanagan5738]

Love and forgiveness and being understanding are very good ways to please God. Sorrow for our failings, humility and repentance on a global scale could reduce The Chastisement many Believers are aware of and we should prepare for. The sins God interiorly and mercifully brings to our minds, can be repented of and penance done in a grateful spirit. We need to wear the Spiritual Armour every day and especially the helmet to protect our mind so Satan can not tempt us. Many are suffering in war zones and my prayers for their protection and the safety of their dear souls is paramount now. Thanks for your strong Spiritual Direction. I hate evil and love God's goodness.

[@almaconnor9171]

I am so happy to have found this channel and this holy man. A very wise, humble man. A rarity in this world, thank you, Father.

[@balsamitrovic4346]

Amin

[@NJP9036]

This may be the most difficult teaching to accept. Thank you Father Spyridon.

[@CJBradley]

We need to understand this more now than ever before. So many people who do not believe in anything have been damaged so much by society they are hurting greatly and do wrong to each other, but we are not here to judge but to learn how to forgive as hard ad that is.

[@bobbobb4804]

Whenever I fully think about a situation or whenever I consider everything, I find it impossible to hate anybody and I realize that I never really hated whoever i was having an issue with

[@christophermanley3602]

Amen

[@matthewrobson6335]

Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof but say the word and my soul shall be healed

[@nikolovfiness]

God bless Father. Please keep me in your prayers. ☦️🙏🏻

[@Marcher1977]

I know I should but its very difficult to love your enemies when they target your children.

[@mumberthrax]

This is the sort of thing that I struggle to understand. How does this work in the case of the wicked, the unrepentant who know they are doing evil and revel in it? Obviously the ideal is for them to repent, sincerely, and be forgiven by christians - but what are you to do with someone who is a danger, who would harm and lead others into sin, etc. etc.? If we're not to judge, then how does the system of laws and justice fall into this? In a purely christian society, what happens to the people who would normally be separated from society if they can't be judged? Does judgment have a dual meaning here - judgment in terms of the totality of the person's worth as a child of God vs. judgment in terms of determination of the facts of their offense? If we have this sort of system, where a person can commit any crime and then have a sincere repentance afterward, would this not incentivize the criminally inclined to do the biggest crime they can as long as they repent once caught?

[@JuanGarcia-fg3cj]

Thank you Father!

[@NMMD1531]

Your best talk yet!!!

[@danbuter]

This is the hardest command for me to keep. I get so angry watching the news. I have to step back and just focus on something else. Great video!

[@chardo24]

Jesus say to love our enemies because God love them also. And because we are made in God's image we would be lying to ourselves not to love our enemies .

[@annabelenko1611]

Haha I just had the worst day with very mean people! You posted this video for me lol thank you.

[@joer9156]

Really needed this today. Thank you.

[@deezyah]

Thank you Fr. Spyridon, great homily!

[@spiridondimaris465]

God bless you father Spyridon for you beautiful preaching exoume to idio onoma o theos mazimas

[@petergunn9149]

Pray for one’s enemies by Saint Nicolai of Zica✝️✝️✝️ Do you know that no one has enemies just cruel friends✝️✝️✝️ thank you father✝️✝️✝️

[@jamestregler1584]

As always thank you Father, and GOD bless you. Pray for my friend Tony alcohol

[@belindatate5822]

This is simple yet powerful stuff. Thank you

[@thattimestampguy]

3:50 Freely Given, Free of Price Love, Hope-Filled Love 5:15 Share in the Spirit of Mercy Salvation Offered To All, Rejection By Many

[@gentiankorca]

God bless you all the name of the Father and the Son of the Holy Spirit

[@Abby-GodLovesYou]

Thank you Father Spyridon ❤️ May we all love and forgive everybody ❤️

[@Tenkai917]

I love my ex-wife, even though she screwed up my entire life. It sucks, but what else should I feel towards the mother of my children?

[@ivansince91]

Pray for her salvation and God will cure your pain.

[@jenss.3613]

No such thing as EX wife. She your wife.

[@Tenkai917]

@@jenss.3613 I appreciate your sentiment, but she remarried, had another kid, and has now been with that guy for longer than we were together. She has no desire to get back with me, and if I'm being totally honest I wouldn't take her back at this point either. I still care about her, try to help her out, and maintain a good relationship with her for the kids, but I know better than to invite crazy back into my life.

[@jenss.3613]

@@Tenkai917 I believe you that she is crazy. Or maybe she is not, because divorced people never speak well about their spouse. But it's not about you or her. It is about *marriage*. Marriage is a sacramental bond, "till death do us apart". Second guy is the fifth wheel. He does not belong in the picture.

[@vickieboudwin7781]

According to God she is your wife , this also happen to my brother still loves his divorced wife

[@BpGregor]

Thank you Father Spyridon.

[@Stophatingalready]

Every time I get into these videos they are almost always about the situation of my life. Yesterday and today was WILD I got so mad at God and my own people. REPENT. 💔

[@jamesbancroft2467]

thank you father Spyridon

[@procodeal9441]

Thank you for your videos, they help me learn many things and they have changed me as a person. God bless you father Spyridon.

[@JohnWKhattar]

How deeply rich is faithfulness in God. It completely transcends our body and truly frees our souls from evil's bondage. Thank you father for yet again sharing the Wisdom of God with us, she is most precious and comforting. May God bless this ministry and His Church.

[@satoransky3701]

God bless you father

[@meronmichael]

Thankfully we have fathers that speak not withholding their love

[@amyrose3167]

Thank you Father, i needed to hear this. God Bless you!

[@sjors7750]

Remember, we are born innocent. Persons can do terrible things, vut showing them the true path can make them change complete.

[@AlexJRadulescu]

Bless, Father 🙏 Thank you for another edifying and encouraging talk. Lots to contemplate here. Truly, the standard which Christ calls us to often seems impossible, but we know that with God all things are possible. May God grant you many, many years so that poor sinners like myself may continue to benefit from your grace-filled talks.

[@mtnblubird4304]

This teaching is wonderful. When I am really having trouble with this, it helps me to remember how happy and successful satan feels when we cultivate anger. And how stunted he is when we overcome it.

[@mattmccarthy4224]

Thank you Father.

[@luke144]

I know I have to do this but this lesson is one I struggle with! I think this a lesson I must learn. I pray for the people that have harmed me and they are many. Father help me see the light in all people! Hate is a very heavy thing to carry around, it's much better to leave it behind us.

[@backinmyrightmind]

Thank you Father ☦️❤️

[@fluffystaley7339]

Listening to this father always fills me with peace and calm.

[@dzikaanda]

God bless you father Spirydon and thank you for your teaching which helped me to understand my Faith and how to really follow our Lord Jesus Christ.

[@johnreno8909]

Thank you Father , God bless you. with great Love.

[@gojjameagle1792]

Father I love so you much God Bless you and give Long age. Thank you I am from Ethiopia

[@francesbernard2445]

We must love our enemies because for one thing doing so while not forgetting when readjusting our boundaries in appropriate ways after getting better information about existing risks is to our benefit because the alternative while thinking ourselves greater than we are will only enable the Satan to do more damage in our own lives and in the lives of our relatives and friends too thanks to how all of our lives as human beings around the world are so interconnected. Being rich has often deluded people into believing they are too independent for needing to forgive others. Wars often result in which both the poor and the rich die young.

[@vimalpatel4060]

Thank you Father Spyridon, I am grateful for the work you are doing here. I was in a slow descent towards hades, I need this sermon today and the LORD☦️ provided.

[@meisterjoshi4523]

I find this the most difficult part of all. I am so disturbed by the modern politcal wave of communism. I do not hate them as a person, but the ideas behind it. I wish I could love more.

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

Powerful Father, thank you. May God continue to bless you.

[@robgarrett8980]

We appreciate and highly value ministry! The Lord be with you!

[@waltermonroelightning7091]

Amen and Amen, and this is the word of our Lord!

[@flyabove8168]

God bless you Father Spyridon!!!

[@bjorn1775]

Thank you Father Spyridon. Your homilies are nourishing to the spirit. May God guide and protect you.

[@LHMOM.8610]

Thank you, Father Spyridon. 🙏

[@stinkmieser7776]

one of the greatest teachings of Christ

[@2greeksandacamera]

Thank you Fr. Spyridon

[@BUGZYLUCKS]

I forgive. There is great freedom in forgiveness. Unforgivness is a mental prison.

[@SD-oc9dw]

I'm trying every day 🙏

[@Elany.lyon1388]

I needed this today, thank you

[@nabelbinyameen1855]

May our Lord JESUS CHRIST bless Australia 🙏

[@bigcaptainschannel]

Thank you Father, you explain everything to me, very well. So happy that I found you n KZbin.

[@laceygreenwood]

I loved reading in The Philokalia, Vol II, St Maximus the Confessor's words how that when we love others in a God-like manner, we show more concern for others than for ourselves, and as proof of this, we are willing to die for others, as there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for another (cf. John 15:13). I tho't this expressed it beautifully (Fifth Century of Various Texts, page 263, #12), and your post as well. Thank you, Father.

[@JohnVander70]

God bless you Father Spyridon.

[@dannywoody7266]

This is what the universe has called up for this perfect day thank you father perfect words I really appreciate your message aa with many of my friends. God’s blessing times a million Coming your way

[@The_Pen_of_a_ready_writer]

You are truly anointed by God to speak his truth. I am asking God to change me.

[@joylarson9040]

Thank you, Father

[@thyatiran]

Epic teachings

[@windowsxpabuser]

Thank you Father

[@jackrussell3084]

Thank you father.