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Are You Insane Enough To Love Your Enemies…

Have you been hurt by others? Offended? Betrayed? Slandered? Maligned? Gossiped about? Cheated on? Stolen from?

Then I’m writing to you.

It could be small stuff. If you’re a driver, and some other “idiot” driver cuts you off, do you have this urge to press on the accelerator, overtake that car, and cut him off as well? Do you like to give him a dose of his own medicine?

Today, God will teach you the insanity of loving your enemies. I know it’s difficult. Impossible, even. But here’s a big promise: If you do this, streams of healing will flow into your life.

Yuck!

What I’m about to tell you is distasteful stuff.

We knew Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” We heard this command since we were kids.

But for crying out loud, we never thought He meant it literally. We thought that when Jesus said, “Love your enemies,” He meant, “Don’t shoot your enemy with a machine gun,” or “Don’t poison your enemy with cyanide,” or “Don’t axe the head of your enemy so his head rolls off and you can kick it off a cliff and you can watch his head bounce down a thousand feet below…” But somehow, we thought we could still hit our enemy a couple of times on the head with a lead pipe—at least to injure him.

But Jesus was serious.

When Jesus said, “Love your enemies,” He meant that we really, genuinely, actively, concretely, go out of our way, think of the other person’s wellbeing, wish him the person’s wellbeing, pray for the wellbeing, and actually do something for our enemy’s wellbeing!

Yuck!

Can you think of anything more repulsive than that?

But He meant it…

He said, You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-48)

To Be Fully Blessed, You Need To Fully Obey

Some people complain to me, “Why isn’t God blessing me?”

Here’s the truth: God is ALWAYS blessing you. The problem? Not that God isn’t giving us blessings, but that we aren’t receiving His blessings.

One reason? You’re not fully obeying God’s Word. (Note: This isn’t the only reason for suffering. Some very holy people suffer for other reasons.)

For example, when God says, “Love your enemies,” are we really doing it? Let me say this to you loud and clear: I believe many don’t receive the fullness of God’s blessings because you have not yet learned to love your enemies.

God stated how we should love our enemies. He didn’t leave it to our imagination. He listed down explicit instructions on how to love our enemies.

Insane Instructions

The Bible even tells us practical ways to love our enemies. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21)

Gosh. God’s instruction is absolutely insane, it’s tempting to think that God was joking.

Usually, if our enemy is hungry, we don’t think of feeding him—We think of making fun of him. We want to gloat and say, “Ha! May you starve to death. May your big intestines eat your own small intestines so that you start digesting your flesh and blood until you die a horrible death.”

And when we see our enemy thirsty, we want to say, “Good for you! Serves you right. You deserve it. May you go so thirsty, your tongue becomes so dry, it crumbles to dust…”

But God says, “Feed your enemy when he is hungry. Give a drink to your enemy when he is thirsty.”

Believe me, to do this, you need a miracle from God.

A Deep Hurt

Let me tell you a story that’s very close to my heart…

In 1987, Light of Jesus Family was only 7 years old.

We were still very small, somewhere between 200 to 300 members. There were very few preachers in the community and I was thankful that one of our Elders, let’s call him Ric, was a very effective preacher. A lot of people admired Ric for his deep knowledge of the Bible.

Because of this, I always felt Ric and his wife Gemma were big blessings to the Light of Jesus.

Back then, Ric worked as an insurance salesman. But soon after joining us, he left his job and became a fulltime leader for Light of Jesus. And the community gave him a small monthly allowance. He also asked me if Light of Jesus could pay for his post-graduate Bible courses—and we supported him.

Ric and I also became next-door neighbors. We worked so closely together that Ric and Gemma moved in a duplex right beside the community center—which was my parents’ home. Ric and Gemma lived in one apartment and I lived in the other—with just a thin wall between us.

There were many lovely nights we’d just hang out together in their apartment or my apartment, chatting and laughing over a big bottle of Coke and peanuts. Those were beautiful times of friendship. I didn’t know that those happy times were about to come to an end…

A Punch In The Stomach

One morning, I heard a knock on the front door. I opened it and Ric was standing there, looking very pensive. “Can I talk to you Bo?”

“Sure!” I said. I followed him into his apartment.

We sat in front of each other in his living room. Ric blurted the news, “Bo, I’m leaving Light of Jesus…”

At first, I didn’t understand. I kept quiet and allowed him to speak.

Ric continued, “I believe God is calling me to build my church. And more than twenty people in Light of Jesus are leaving the community and joining me…”

I felt Manny Pacquiao punched me on my solar plexus. (Correction. This happened in 1987 and Manny was yet a kid. So the more accurate description is that I felt Muhammad Ali punched me in the solar plexus.) It was difficult to breathe. I tried to digest what he was saying. Ric, my friend of 5 long years, was leaving. His wife Gemma—also a dear friend—was leaving too. Not only that, more than twenty of my friends were going with him. And they weren’t only leaving Light of Jesus. They were leaving the Catholic Church and setting up their own church.

A wave of profound sadness washed over me. Ric had campaigned behind my back. He held underground meetings, inviting his friends to join him in his new church.

“Bo, I know this is difficult for you but I have to do this,” I heard Ric say—or at least something like that. Because by that time, I couldn’t hear him very well. The throbbing pain inside me was deafening.

Bless, Not Curse

I walked out of his apartment and went to my room.

In my room, I sat down and cried to God.

And while praying, God spoke to my heart.

I heard God say, “Bo, love your enemies. Bless, do not curse. Love, do not hate. Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty. Don’t let good be overcome with evil. Instead, overcome evil with good.”

A few days later, we had a Light of Jesus prayer meeting. We were so small, we knew that some people were missing. People were asking, “Where’s Brother Ric? Where are Brother Ric’s friends?” So I stood up on stage and did one of the most difficult things I remember doing. I announced, “Friends, Brother Ric has decided to leave and start a new church. More than twenty of our members are going with him…”

A loud gasp shook the room.

As I explained more details, people began to sob around me. Others were very angry. Some were so angry at Ric, I heard them say, “Ric betrayed Bo! Ric betrayed us! Ric will never succeed! Their work will never be blessed by God!”

I raised my arms to quiet the increasing buzz in the room. “I’m very hurt by what happened. I’m as hurt as all of you are. But I’ve prayed to God about this matter. And it’s very clear in my heart that God wants us to bless them, not curse them. God wants us to love them, not hate them.”

Everyone stood up, and with many tears, we prayed together. I said, “Lord, we pray that you bless Ric. We pray that you prosper the work of his hands. We pray that Ric and his church will serve You and serve Your people…”

After praying for them, I knew I had to do one more thing—I had to visit Ric in his new church…

Love, Not Hate

When I walked in their rented venue, I saw our former members, cleaning, sweeping, and mopping the hall.

They were shocked when they saw me. “Brother Bo!” they all greeted me.

Ric was now Pastor Ric. He came up to me and we hugged each other for a long time. “Thank you for coming, Bo,” he said.

“I’m here to bless you,” I told him.

We formed a circle and we prayed together. Again, I prayed that God bless them.

I went around and hugged everyone in the room.

Before I left, I dug into my pocket. At that time, I was a poor 21-year old missionary, so I had very little money. But what I had, I gave. “This is my love offering to you,” I told them.

While driving home, there were tears in my eyes. But they were no longer tears of pain but tears of love. I realized all the hurt and heaviness in my heart was being sucked out by love. It was amazing. I felt a lightness in my spirit. Love really healed!

A Tragic Happy Ending

I wish I could tell you that this story ends in a totally happy way. Sadly, Ric’s new church didn’t last. At first, they were growing. But after a few years of exciting growth, his members dispersed and the church closed down.

And Ric went back to selling insurance.

When I heard about it, my heart felt sad for Ric. I’m a preacher, so I know what happens when a preacher stops preaching. When a preacher doesn’t preach, something dies in him.

Fifteen years after leaving Light of Jesus, Ric called me up to sell me insurance. We met for lunch and it was like old times. We talked and laughed together. I also bought insurance from him and referred him to my friends.

He also told me he wanted to preach again—but didn’t know how. I felt sad that this once-upon-a-time great preacher was no longer using his gift. I prayed for him that God give him an opportunity to do so.

I was happy to hear that a group invited him to give a talk—and Ric was very happy.

But soon after that, one day, I received a phone call from his wife Gemma. With her voice shaking, she said, “Brother Bo, Ric had a heart attack. God called him home…”

It was a sudden departure. The only consolation I had was the fact that before he died, we reconnected again.

Soon after that, Gemma rejoined Light of Jesus and became a Catholic again. She served the Lord with passion at the PICC Feast. She even worked fulltime in one of our ministries.

When she was 59 years old, God blessed her with a wonderful man who fell in love with her. Gemma got married a second time and they live a happy life together.

Why am I telling you this story?

To tell you that my life has been blessed beyond my wildest imagination. I’m surrounded by a wonderfully HUGE family and the most loving friends. I’m doing the most exciting things on planet earth. I cannot begin to describe how blessed I am!

Why? One reason I can think of: Because when I was 21 years old, God taught me to love my enemies. When you love your enemies, you open your life to so much blessings.

Who are your enemies?

Don’t just refrain from doing bad to them.

God wants you to do good to them.

Look, I’m NOT saying that a wife should continue to stay with a physically or emotionally abusive husband (Run away!); Or that an adult child should continue to give money to his mother who is a compulsive gambler (Don’t do that!); That’s not what I’m talking about. These extreme cases comprise 1% of my audience.

I’m talking to the other 99% who need to hear this message.

Ask for His guidance.

What can you do to express your love to your “enemies” today?

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez

PS. Learn how to earn money through Larry Gamboa’s real estate system. My friend and Real Estate Mentor Larry Gamboa is giving a Seminar on how he buys foreclosed properties OR properties from “motivated sellers” and turns them around into rental properties or quick sales. If you’re interested to learn his system, click here now!

Filed under: Blogs by bosanchez

88 Responses to “Are You Insane Enough To Love Your Enemies…”

joy :-), on August 27th, 2012 at 1:34 pm Said:

Thank you brother bo! I am again enlightend… In a lifetime, you make some enemies.. with your article, i am not at all worried of having them… they are also GOD’s blessings to me…. Thanks for the wisdom on how to healthily approach or treat them

May GOD bless you more and more Brother Bo!
bon, on August 27th, 2012 at 1:37 pm Said:

a new inspiration for the new week.. God bless Brother Bo. Thanks
chris, on August 27th, 2012 at 1:39 pm Said:

I’ve find profound happiness every time i read Bo Sanchez weekly dosage of soulful message every week, such a wonderful life to be with GOD always
Melania R. Quintos (nickname - Melanie), on August 27th, 2012 at 1:42 pm Said:

Dear Bro Bo,

I want to follow your advise, but how do you think can I show my love to the people who owe me a big amount of money, though my business. I have sent so many letters of collection but most of them have no plans of paying. I have asked my lawyer friend to send a final demand to those who owe me. Don’t you think it will seem like an irony if I show goodness to them even if they don’t pay me? How can I be good to these kind of people? One friend even stole goods from my warehouse which is worth more than P1.5M. He was able to brainwash my trusted warehouse man to connive with and eventually became an accessory to his crime. He can even pass by my store now with his heads up, looking like someone who is so clean and honest. That makes me hate him even more. However, since I believe in God’s words, i really try very hard to pray for him, asking God to bless him and enlighten him to be a better person. Please enlighten me. Thanks
marcie, on August 27th, 2012 at 1:56 pm Said:

I’m always inspired by everyday soulfood…
Smiley, on August 27th, 2012 at 2:13 pm Said:

Big Thanks Bro. Bo for sharing this great article of yours. I learned a lot as always.
May you keep on inspiring and informing us.
GODBLESS us all! “,)
Deme Boy, on August 27th, 2012 at 2:25 pm Said:

Thanks Bro. Bo. you’ve enlightened me again with your nice and wonderful message. God bless you more and your family!
JUANITA M.GOSE, on August 27th, 2012 at 3:46 pm Said:

I was awakened by your very inspiring messages, I am very thankful to God for having you as an instrument for spreading His good news. . . .may He continue showering His blessings to you and your family. Thank you very much Bo.
cristino abordo, on August 27th, 2012 at 3:59 pm Said:

thank you again brother bo for the wonderful and very inspiring message… sometimes it takes and it helps to have enemies for they are the first ones to know our mistakes… about po dun sa stock investment plan, waka akong regular job pero yong na-save ko ay gusto ko pong i-invest sa stockpero until now di mako marunong kung paano…taga probinsiya pa naman ako malayo sa citiseconline… pls help.
Romeo, on August 27th, 2012 at 4:17 pm Said:

Thanks Bro Bo for a sound advice. It would really be a challenge for me to follow it, but in God’s time… God bless you and your ministry
My Maid Invests in the Stock Market, on August 27th, 2012 at 4:48 pm Said:

Amen.
Blessings are all coming to those who are loving the way God designed them to be.
Kris, on August 27th, 2012 at 5:12 pm Said:

I wish I could talk to you… It’s really not easy to forgive your enemy esp if what they’ve done were too hurting and painful… but I am enlightened by your article… and soon I can really say, I love my enemies.
Manny, on August 27th, 2012 at 6:00 pm Said:

I’m usually stone cold when reading stories like this but I actually cried when I read this.

God bless you
Eric, on August 27th, 2012 at 6:06 pm Said:

Sometimes it’s not so easy… (i think most of time) it’s not so easy to love our enemies or show kindness or concern.. but that is the ONLY way. Ohh. God help us! Thanks Bro. Bo for this. God bless us always!
niki, on August 27th, 2012 at 7:07 pm Said:

thanks for this article bro bo. the story is inspiring…

it made me think deeply how i have treated the people who hurt me in the past, how my heart was full of anger of the things they’ve done and how much i felt betrayed by them… for the longest time i was a prisoner of my own anger, asking myself and God why cant they seem to understand their faults. it was more hurtful knowing these are the people who should be protecting, supporting and loving me.

reading your weekly stories have made me realize little by little that it isn’t my job to make them realize but to just open myself and my heart to forgive them as i really want our relationships to be healed.

it is not easy but taking small positive steps forward has made a great impact on me. my journey continues and with God’s grace we will have the healing i so longed for us to have, to forgive and be forgiven.

today’s story made me realized a lot and i pray and hope these lessons will stay with me…praying and moving on with a more forgiving heart. to bless and pray those you have hurt me.

thank you so much again. Godb less
Karen, on August 27th, 2012 at 8:02 pm Said:

timely..a healing for me to think of those negative side to my enemy, blessed them with good heart also..thank you for the message..

God Bless Us All…
Primrose, on August 27th, 2012 at 8:10 pm Said:

Thanks Bro. Bo!

Just right on time.
This is what I need at the present moment and it’s very enlightening!

God bless you more
retirement homes | House for Sale | Philippines real estate, on August 27th, 2012 at 8:23 pm Said:

very enlightening
business book | business books Philippines, on August 27th, 2012 at 8:25 pm Said:

learn to love your enemy
olive_dionela, on August 27th, 2012 at 8:40 pm Said:

I always blessed , every time I read your articles bro. Bo…
I should Thank You.

Thank you po…

You have such a big heart with such a beautiful soul….that’s why you forgave people who hurt you.
God really Love you so much, that’s why your ministries blessed by God even before until now…

God is good all the time..
thank you again for this article.. great lesson..

God bless you so much more…
I
philippine stock market investing | philippine stock exchange investing, on August 27th, 2012 at 10:36 pm Said:

very meaningful question What can you do to express your love to your “enemies” today?
purpshellay, on August 27th, 2012 at 11:19 pm Said:

this is so timely…
Josemhe Dela Cerna, on August 27th, 2012 at 11:45 pm Said:

Thank you for another worthy-to-read message from you Bo. I always get excited whenever i see one in my email. You’re such a pain-reliever in this challenging world.
Lovelle, on August 28th, 2012 at 12:47 am Said:

So timely… Thanks Bro. Bo.

For a month already I had been trying to at least hold on to the respect I have to the persons who have hurt me. They are my friends and they’ve been a family. I’m just ignoring their cold treatment and wrong judgement towards me and just praying that God would heal me, us, and our relationship. Everyday I include them in my prayers.

I think this is the perfect answer to every doubt I have now. God bless you Bro. Bo!
Lucille, on August 28th, 2012 at 12:55 am Said:

Another great and timely message, Bro. Bo! May God continue to bless you, your family and your ministry…I really hope one day, I can hear you in one of your talks…
Gelo, on August 28th, 2012 at 6:39 am Said:

Salamat po Bro. Bo
Rald, on August 28th, 2012 at 7:42 am Said:

Wow what a wonderful article to start up a good morning. Yes its very difficult to do good to those people who do bad, ridiculed, humiliate, belittled, gossip and make fun of you. But I know If you do good things to all of them you will reap a much more blessing, much more happiness, contentment and good relationship to them, to your self and to God. So I confess that I will do good to my enemies and I know it’s so hard but with God at my back I will never go wrong. Good Morning everyone.
Janny, on August 28th, 2012 at 8:01 am Said:

It takes a miracle to do this one indeed. So, I pray for as many miracles in my life to happen right now. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
brenda, on August 28th, 2012 at 8:21 am Said:

Therefore, I should start to love my enemies rather hating them forever. Please pray for me that I may try to erase grudges in my heart.

Bless you Bro. Bo
elvie, on August 28th, 2012 at 8:38 am Said:

bro.bo,this made me cry. what a wonderfully written article. this brought an in-depth explanation on God’s commandment “love your enemies”. you have a way with words and when you write you make topics interesting enough to read and easy to understand. thank you so very much. God bless.
weng, on August 28th, 2012 at 10:16 am Said:

bro.bo, you are a true reminder of God’s teaching to mankind.

Keep it up po! God bless!
Lenilyn, on August 28th, 2012 at 10:31 am Said:

thank you very much po Bro. Bo. God bless….
Rochelle, on August 28th, 2012 at 10:48 am Said:

Thank you very much for another inspiring message bro. Bo, very enlightening…..God Bless you!!!
Ligaya A.Tutanes, on August 28th, 2012 at 10:56 am Said:

thanks bro. bo for this inspiring and enlightening message. truly, we must always practice charity (love) which is the greatest of all virtues aside from faith and hope.God Bless you bro. Bo and your family
Cherry Mae E. Cabaluna, on August 28th, 2012 at 11:38 am Said:

Hi Bro. Bo,

I didn’t know about your history between the departed Bro Ric, I was shocked when I was reading this, I felt the pain that you were experiencing before. In my personal experience, I have lots of unlovable people or should I say those people who have hurt me so much, in the real sense in life, it is somewhat difficult to love those people who have hurt me so much, but God says love those who persecute you, that is why I start to pray them more and little by little trying to forget the pain which they had marked on me with the big grace of God. I am quite familiar of Sister Gemma from our Didache., she has a fairy tale love story. You are very humble Bro Bo. YOu are Gods delight for us. Continue to preach the wonderful messages of God. God Bless you generously and your whole family in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen. Love and Pray - Cherry Mae
itsmekwek, on August 28th, 2012 at 11:42 am Said:

Dear Bro. Bo,

Last Saturday , I posted on my FB wall the phrase ” Kung may galit ka sakin , sabihin mo tutal di ba sabi mo matapang ka ” . Just to released my emotion towards the person whom I know , felt so much insecurities on me. And then , a friend of mine told me , you have to be kind to those unkind person . Pray for them .

Lesson learned . Think of doing good for your enemies . This will give you peace of mind .
NADINE E. DOMINGO, on August 28th, 2012 at 11:47 am Said:

thank you so much Bro. Bo! just in time… God bless you more!
Sharon Gonzales, on August 28th, 2012 at 11:49 am Said:

I have been blessed by this article Brother Bo! I pray that God will give me the grace to fully forgive and love my enemies.. It is difficult but I have the Lord by my side.

Thank you for the bringing me closer to God everyday.

God bless you
Renie Quiblat, on August 28th, 2012 at 1:15 pm Said:

Its wonderful story!! It gives me enlightenment…. Now I have my concrete tools in my life which is Love forever…. No more enemies. God bless to you Bo!
gemshine, on August 28th, 2012 at 1:26 pm Said:

Bro. Bo,
I hope i got a chance to meet you.
i will reqeuest that you may please offer me a prayer
that i could have courage to love my enemies that i shall forgive and bless them.

This hard to do, must admit i carry the burdern of not
letting go the hurt that i have experince, emotional
sufferings i kept inside they instill on me.

Bless me our dear God!
thines, on August 28th, 2012 at 5:52 pm Said:

the very hardest thing to do…. but what i am praying is may the Lord bless me a forgiving heart…

thanks Bro. Bo…..
Jocelyn Abay, on August 28th, 2012 at 6:32 pm Said:

I wish ,i could have the courage to love my enemies that i shall forgive and bless them. I must admit that i’m still carrying the burden of not letting go the pain and sufferings that i had experience.
marc, on August 28th, 2012 at 6:39 pm Said:

So inspiring, thanks Bro. Bo, it’s really hard to love our enemies, but one thing I’m very sure is, if we ask God to touch our heart to be like Him all is possible, I just think the goodness of that person and not the bad ones. God bless us more.
boyet, on August 29th, 2012 at 8:42 am Said:

noted po, may the good LORD bless me not only with a forgiving heart, but most specially a loving heart. GOD bless the EZEKIEL CONSTRUCTION GROUP
Tessie Aggabao, on August 29th, 2012 at 10:28 am Said:

Thanks Bo. This is very timely and it opened my mind. God bless.
Tom P. Magno, on August 29th, 2012 at 11:50 am Said:

God is always inviting us to respond rather than react especially in moments that we are wronged. Thank you Bro. Bo for reminding us to find love as the only reason to forgive. This is the true essence of forgiveness. It is all about love. As mahatma Gandhi says, ” Forgiveness is not an attribute of the weak”.
Junar, on August 29th, 2012 at 1:10 pm Said:

Thanks Bro. Bo for this wonderful article. Thanks for reminding us to love our enemies. Its easier said than done, but you are right. God is Love indeed. God Bless Us All.

P. S. Joining the Truly Rich Club has blessed me a lot, financially and spiritually. Thanks for reminding us to use our wealth to bless others.
sam, on August 29th, 2012 at 4:49 pm Said:

while im in reading this tears are falling because i could relate to the pain of being hurt by close friends i consider as my family….

thank you very much for the inspiration to be a better person… its hard but it is doable…

God bless you Bro Bo and may you continue to inspire others
ludy, on August 29th, 2012 at 6:19 pm Said:

Thanks Bro.Bo! I thank God also for creating a person just like you,who give inspiring message to us esp.to those in pain/hurt by people. May God guide me when I’m hurt.I’m going to love my enemy,with God beside me.
tethh, on August 29th, 2012 at 9:21 pm Said:

Such a wonderful topic. I am a regular attendee of picc-feast. Am always looking forward to it every week and am jst so grateful for the community. For so long, am searchin for somethin’ that will help me to be whole and real and i just found it there. To God be praise and Glory.
hotels subic, on August 29th, 2012 at 9:48 pm Said:

what a wonderful article very touching… we must love our enemy always
sun, on August 29th, 2012 at 10:53 pm Said:

Bo just this week someone hurt me badly,insulted me and extort money from me.. i hate her as of today… but i also want to forgive her…pls help me forgive this person. as i experienced this situation i remember Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane the night he was captured by the soldiers and how his disciple tried to fought for him…what he did that night was not EASY..really..it’s very difficult not to defend yourself knowing you have all the right…it’s a very painful experience Bo…pls pray for me to be able to forgive my enemy
student/soldier, on August 30th, 2012 at 11:19 am Said:

Bo,thank you. I’m not going to be where I am now because of you and the community. I’d probably be in a psych ward hating all those people who have hurt me in the past causing me so much pain. But with all your words and the words from God. Ito ako ngayon. Helping out sa half of my family. Trying to put the pieces together. Thank you bro. Sana madami ka pang matulungan kattulad ko. PS I have more plans/dreams going on in my life and in others life. I hope your could pray for everyones needs thanks again
japedz, on August 30th, 2012 at 12:20 pm Said:

thanks a lot. bro.bo…. continue to preach..pls pray for me..
gemma, on August 30th, 2012 at 12:34 pm Said:

Hi Bro. Bo,
A blessed day!
actually it was what me & my family experienced last week.
it was still fresh in my memory and feelings how it feels to be threatened by wrong accusations and verbally intimidations. but i choose to obey what i have been taught of and learned from God’s word, and yes, by loving my enemies. well, now by God’s grace all is well. Praise the Lord! i know how it feels, i have proven the grace of God that it more blessed to forgive.
“Blessed are the peacemaker for they shall be called the children of God.”- Matthew 5: 9

thanks for this very encouraging article…..
LOU, on August 30th, 2012 at 2:17 pm Said:

Hi Bro. BO, thanks for this message. It’s difficult, but that’s what the Lord asks.
kors, on August 30th, 2012 at 2:31 pm Said:

bro bo, thank you for your inspiring message, I was touched by it and im crying right now, i have said verbally that i forgave my friend but pain was still here in my heart and im always praying to God to let me forgive that friend of mine to all the pain she repeatedly done to me, and I was really fed up thats why I cant fogive her totally and completely coz I cant foget those painful things she have done with me. Please pray for me that God bless me and give me th courage and enlightenment to forgive her and forget every pain she inflicted on me. More power! and God bless you always bro Bo.
Cheryl, on August 30th, 2012 at 3:28 pm Said:

I was at the church earlier, and I was talking to Jesus about someone I was really annoyed at. I asked Him to help me not to get annoyed with this person. Then when I got home, I opened Facebook and saw a link to this article. I believe this is Jesus’ way of addressing me as to our little chat earlier today. Thank You, Jesus.. Thanks, Bro. Bo, for being God’s messenger..
edgar, on August 31st, 2012 at 3:26 am Said:

it shed my tears while reading this. it touches my heart. and I pray that God will always remind us with HIS words and it will planted and grow to our hearts and out of it. we will live by it so this love will magnify and dominate this whole world. In Jesus name.amen
ROSE CRUZ, on August 31st, 2012 at 8:35 am Said:

Thank you Bro. Bo for such an enlightening story. I believe it’s truly a liberating feeling to forgive one’s enemy and pray for his well-being. May God grant each one of us the grace and strength to love the people who have hurt us. God bless you and your family.
Leonadel Pavia Carlos, on August 31st, 2012 at 9:55 am Said:

good day..
ganda ng story. ganda ng lesson.
pero parang ang hirap ng ginawa mo, Kuya Bo, and i felt the pain na parang nawalan/nabetray ka ng friend when Bro. Ric left the church, grabe ang galing niyo po. Ang pagdadasal talaga ay malaking tulong.

Still the lesson must serve as an inspiration to all.
To God be all the glory.
Roshinelle, on August 31st, 2012 at 11:31 am Said:

This article makes me realized why i still have bad feelings, its a hatred towards people who done me and my family wrong.Its doable to be good to my enemies.

Thank you for another inspiring article.

God Bless Us All!
HJ, on August 31st, 2012 at 1:39 pm Said:

Thank you very much for sharing this Bo, and just about a year ago, I wrote something on the same topic and made a design for the verse that I will share with you. http://heartandgrace.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/love-your-enemies/ Thank you for the inspiring words to love and love again. God bless!
Teddy, on August 31st, 2012 at 2:04 pm Said:

Hi bro Bo,
Another inspiring article from you. Let me introduce myself. i’m an Indonesian, just a lay catholics and this is the first time I write to you. I am not in the position to comment the above article actually but I don’t know the right place to write and it is not necessary also to expose this letter to public.

As catholic who is trying to live in truth especially here in Indonesia among moslem as majority (of course I also fail many times) I have a concern with Philipines.
Philipines is as far as I know the most catholic country in term of exterior point of view (for example the only country who has no law for divorce, from wikipedia) but sorry to say that your country has also known for poor government like Indonesia perhaps due to high corruption same like here .

You spread many beautiful things for us through your articles and others media, but it seems the change is quiet slow. What is your comment? maybe such as culture? race? again, I am asking you as catholic who try to spread the God’s want in our daily life, instead to be offensive.

Waiting your reply. GBU
andrew, on August 31st, 2012 at 3:10 pm Said:

thank you very much for sharing me this article, im unemployed and separated from my wife now, i know how it feels to hate and love our enemies, but becoz gods love is so true and great, i just have to close my eyes and feel his grace and inner love and peace in my heart so hate and feeling of betrayal will melt inside my heart and replaced with joy, gladness, and overflowing love and forgiveness. im feeling these godly feelings one month after my wife left me and after i apply for early retirement becoz of personal reasons. again thank you for your articles, you truly inspire me to go on with life, im still with couples for christ and thank god they didnt abandon me. more power and godbless
Ame, on August 31st, 2012 at 9:22 pm Said:

Thank you Bo, I really agree with you. Before I thought I couldn’t do this, loving, praying and wishing for the well-being of the people that I really don’t like. But when I did the extraordinary, I couldn’t believe what the Lord did to me. My prayers for those person not only bless them but more to me..Suddenly I realized its possible to love everybody
Leo Marie Alba, on August 31st, 2012 at 11:20 pm Said:

Hi Sir Bo Sanchez.. :D!
Au, on September 1st, 2012 at 4:58 pm Said:

there’s this feeling inside me that urges me to go to my officemate’s desk and tell her outright, “you snake!” then turn to my boss and his feeling boss senior assistant, “you greedy idiots!”

before, i would always say, “Diyos na ang bahala sa kanila.” but somehow, i want to seek revenge. they’re the reason why i will be jobless soon. but there’s a voice inside me that says, “don’t do it. hayaan mo na. i have plans for you.”

thank you for sharing this brother bo. it helped me a lot. maybe that’s the reason why He wanted me to go to your site right now. He knows that your words will help heal me so I will not be astray. God bless you. I pray that I be a great writer and editor like you. i am lifting my hands and mind to Him.
Lourence, on September 1st, 2012 at 10:01 pm Said:

You’re super duper right Bro. Bo. Yes,it’s really a challenge to treat our enemies good ..In my own experience, doing so will not just turn your anger into love but it gives you such a different feeling.Real joy starts to flourish..thanks for this wonderful article(as usual).
God bless you ♥
kasandra, on September 2nd, 2012 at 7:31 pm Said:

Thank you Bro. Bo. This seems to be God’s message for me today. very timely..
renald, on September 2nd, 2012 at 8:18 pm Said:

thanks,4,very,,inspiring,story,bro,bo,,the,story,was,telling,how,jesuschrist,,our,saviour,,have,a,pure,heart,,that,we,need,to,listen,,and,feel,his,lovinly,heart.Glory,to,GOD,!!!
gelboy, on September 3rd, 2012 at 12:35 pm Said:

Thanks a lot Bro Bo. God is with you..
Erlinda G. Aquino, on September 3rd, 2012 at 2:04 pm Said:

thanks bro. bo for that inspiring and awakening story. yes it is hard to forgive and follow God’s law, but forgiveness can be done and doing good to those people who hurt us though tough move, can be done. it is just a matter of choice or decision to do and of course by God’s grace. I was able to forgve and reconcile to a man whom I married for 30 plus years, who had an affair with our next door neighbor. now as i looked back, i did not regret having done it. becoz in our 2 years of reconciliation and forgiving and giving our chance to loving each other again, before he did just last January, I was able to turn him back again to Jesus, acknowledging Him as his God and savior and reconciling himself with his Creator. What if I didd not forgieve him and give him a chance? I should save his soul. He’s now home to his Creator peacefully.
connie, on September 3rd, 2012 at 4:46 pm Said:

Bo, your story made me weep. You’re always inspiring & provide light to our doubted mind & explained it in way that we can see a reason for it. God bless you & your family a thousand folds. May peace be with you always..
bheng, on September 4th, 2012 at 7:41 am Said:

good morning yes i am. but through GOD’s love because on my own ability i cant do it but a heart that beats for the LORD yes. ill share to you my experience, it began last year when a pastor on our church referred to us a foreclosed property because he is with us abroad we entrusted the money to his wife and a broker they know.we wrote a letter giving them the authority to process and pay all the necessary papers on our behalf. after over a year still with no results we decided to comeback to the philippines to see what’s its status discovering a lot of anomalies and yes we have been fooled and manipulated by those people we trust. loosing almost half of the hard earned money we decided to file a refund of what is left and til now my husband and our eldest returned abroad without me and my youngest because we are waiting for the money before we leave the country. a very sad story because we trusted those people who was a servant of GOD and call themselves christians but lied and robbed us. i know we have been hurt disappointed etc but those we learned and heard from them the words of GOD wont be effective if we dont apply it on our lives so that’s my story. hope it have been an inspiration and encouragement for those out there who have been in the same situation. remember GOD’s favor is in those who walk in righteousness and reward those who are careful to follow His commands. thanks and GOD bless you more!!!
heidi doctora, on September 4th, 2012 at 10:04 pm Said:

ang galing mo tlaga BO
bumili ako ng book mo for mah b.day
ang ganda sobra . mas lalo akong naiinspired

more blessing to come
Lujane, on September 5th, 2012 at 10:24 am Said:

Kuya Bo,

I read the article and it really touched me, what you did is very hard. I hope i could do that also to the person who happens to be my friend but betrayed me…. I hate this person because she hurts me so much, it’s almost 3 years ago and i thought that I’ve forgiven her but when i saw her, still the pain is there, still i hate her, still the anger was there. I really want to forget the pain but it’s very hard. Every time i remember the day she betrayed me, i feel the hurt again.

I am now a newly graduate SFC member and everyday i was praying that i could forgive her. I know someday i will be able to forgive her and forget the pain i’m feelin. I know someday we’ll be friends again.

Thank you so much for making me realized lots of things.
gonzalo tamparong, on September 5th, 2012 at 10:32 am Said:

While I was in the Philippines before; I was then active as a Legion of Mary as President of the Preasidium Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Charismatic Movement; Adorer; Cursillo de Christianity; Lay Minister; Commentator, Cathechist, at Espiritu Santo Church, Tayuman, Sta: Cruz, Manila. In the Church, there Seminars, Retreat, Teachings and Acts of Apostolate being a Legion of Mary, until I was delagated as Lay Minister. I was jobless at that time for 5 years, that I surrendered my life to God and devote my time on Church activities, cleaning the church and all devotional acts, at the end of Month we have an overnight Vigil all different organizations turn by turn on the Blessed Sacrament. In attending the Cuirsillo de Christianity, my sister in Legion of Mary sponsored me;, being jobless I don`t have any money. I leave the house of my sister only drinking coffee and go to the church everyday; attending Bible Studies, Seminars, Charismatic Prayer Meetings. when I was feeling hungry I only prayed to the Lord to touch somebody to treat me and feed my stomach ( imagine for 5 years) I survived, of course I have also know-how, all around doing maual works, Carpentry, Masonry, doing repair Electrical Applaiances, not charging them only for the sake of apostolate and to feed my needs. I was very thin then because of lack of food, but my spirit is full being in service of the Lord. Something strange happened to me at Cursillo it was a scene of the Last Supper that I was slained in the Spirit; the lift me up and put me on top of the table. When I regined consciousness I look up and a crusifix of Jesus was at the wall. I hear a voice telling me the He love me and that love I must convey to my brothers. I hug them all telling them ” Jesus loves You “. I got a feeling of relieve and peace at that time having felt being love by Jesus and followed His command to share His love to my brothers in Cursillo. Thank you for your article ” Loving the Enemy “. You may post this to facebook in my timeline to serve as my testimony. Thank you Bro Bo. Praise and Thanks the Lord!!!! God Bless!!!
irene, on September 5th, 2012 at 1:27 pm Said:

a very great message i;m so touched
DANSOI, on September 6th, 2012 at 12:29 am Said:

i love your story bro. Bo very inspiring..god bless u..
Liza, on September 7th, 2012 at 11:44 pm Said:

I am enlightened once again…thank you bro. Bo God is really using you to me…i can relate to this message of yours. im undergoing pain of oppression and public disgrace and its still difficult for me accept what happened, but with God’s grace im beginning to realize my mission and God is reminding me once again, a long time been missing since i got married and focusing only on my own family. i’ve been a choir in the church since 12 yrs old, til i become OFW i continue with my mission in singing for the Lord during Mass on Sundays, being cathechist i continue it as well during my spare time on sundays, and with some other time of the day attending on prayer meetings, and my last few years abroad before entering a married life, He use me to teach/preach on adults about Catholic faith.When i look on my life now, it’s totally reverse of what i have been with, though in my thoughts and in my heart God is still there, but no longer in my words the way i used to be. I’ve made a mistake from the beginning of my marriage life, i’ve been deceived and i can’t believe i allow it to happen. Many appreciated my teachings on marriage, some settled their marriage problems, others are strengthened, while me myself now is still civilly married only, i can’t convince my husband though i always pray for him to get married in the church or even just a blessing of a Priest is enough for me as i said.Now we are 13 years already and have 5 kids…I ask God where do i begin…pls pray for me.
Maricel, on September 9th, 2012 at 2:28 pm Said:

I shed my tears while reading this. I experienced things like that…A friend betrayed me….and many disappointments from the people around me. After reading this article, I felt that God had spoken to me. Its not that easy to to good for someone who have hurt you, but now I realized that God is supporting me to do things which I thought was impossible.
Marj, on September 16th, 2012 at 7:09 pm Said:

Thanks po, I believe this is God’s message to me… Thank you so much. Praise God.
phil, on September 21st, 2012 at 3:36 pm Said:

thanks bro bo for htat wonderful messaage.. you enlightened me so much.
rose, on September 27th, 2012 at 1:57 pm Said:

Bro Bo
thanks so much,,,,,, i’m very much enlightened with your message,,,, so timing for this morning, hate was exploding inside me because of a colleague,,,,, thanks thanks much
KC, on October 12th, 2012 at 1:34 pm Said:

This is so inspiring Brother Bo. Thank you for serving as one of God’s instruments in sharing His words to everyone… Let us all be a blessing to others. God is sooo great!
jie, on October 19th, 2012 at 5:16 pm Said:

so inspiring!! thank you so much.
Geraldine A. Aquino, on March 23rd, 2013 at 2:09 pm Said:

I know that this is some kind of a late comment. but i am grateful to have read this blog because i am in a situation wherein people who i respected too much would hurt me this way.

nakakalungkot lang dahil sila ay mga malapit na kamag-anak pa naman ng asawa ko… nandung sabihan kang walang binatbat, itsismis ka sa ibang tao, pagtawanan at gawan ng maling kwento… i wanted to fight back but i have no means…masasakit na ang mga sinasabi nila laban sa akin at sa pamilya ko..

i hope that one day i will surpass all these….

all i could do is cry…i hope that by this blog, i will be able to surpass this situation…

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