Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"?

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 12:19 PM

I am interested in members' philosophy about this.

If you are not a believer, can you just give your rationale?

If you are a believer, can you explain what it means to love your enemy? Does it literally mean love them or does it just mean don't hate them? And can you give some examples of how you would show your feeling?

Delphi · 01-26-2009, 01:20 PM

Hi Seashore

A very timely question.

Love in the sense of recognizing our common humanity - yes.
Love in the sense that we are all incarnate souls - yes. I am a believer but emphatically not a Christian.
Love in the sense that my enemies have a lot to teach me and that I have drawn them into my life for a reason - yes.
Love in the sense of respect and not seeking to harm - yes.
Love in the senses of friendship, desire, trust, liking, affection - NO.

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphi

Love in the sense that my enemies have a lot to teach me and that I have drawn them into my life for a reason - yes.

Thanks. You express yourself very well.

I am intrigued with the concept of us drawing our enemies into our lives. We actually do that? Can you expound on that?

tone3jaguar · 01-26-2009, 01:47 PM

Love and light projected towards the forces of darkness is the only way to be done with them and not continue to manifest them back into your life. People do not want to belive that when they direct negative emotions at things that they actually manifest more of it into thier life. I made this mistake over and over again for at least 5 years. My ego wanted more to win than to take a percieved weak stance on the matter. Once my ego got the hell out of the way, it was easy to see the solution.

There is not a single specific common spiritual paradigm that does not incorperate this into its teachings. There is a reason for that. The reason is that by universal law this is the way it works.

01-26-2009, 01:56 PM

I love my enemies for hate is counter productive to my
own well being.

Yet I struggle with the concept of perfect pacifism. When
it comes to my family I could not stand by and pray
while they were hurt.

As the old joke says; " Sir, I would not hurt thee for the
world, but thou standist where I am about to shoot!"

You don't need to hate them to fight them. You just want
them to stop and go in peace. If they refuse then you help
them along.

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tone3jaguar

Love and light projected towards the forces of darkness is the only way to be done with them and not continue to manifest them back into your life. People do not want to belive that when they direct negative emotions at things that they actually manifest more of it into thier life. I made this mistake over and over again for at least 5 years. My ego wanted more to win than to take a percieved weak stance on the matter. Once my ego got the hell out of the way, it was easy to see the solution.

There is not a single specific common spiritual paradigm that does not incorperate this into its teachings. There is a reason for that. The reason is that by universal law this is the way it works.

Thank you. I think I understand what you're saying...

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baggywrinkle

Yet I struggle with the concept of perfect pacifism. When
it comes to my family I could not stand by and pray
while they were hurt.

As the old joke says; " Sir, I would not hurt thee for the
world, but thou standist where I am about to shoot!"

Thanks.

Yeah, I think loving your enemy does not preclude self-defense!

rhythm · 01-26-2009, 03:14 PM

True love has no enemys
The only enemy?is FEAR...
If you trully love your self
dont you also know there
is no other !

:w ub2:

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhythm

True love has no enemys

Thanks! This part is really making me think...

Dantheman62 · 01-26-2009, 04:12 PM

I have no enemies, the only real true enemies I would ever have is the ones about to inflict harm on me or someone close to me. Then would I love my enemies.... not a chance.

futureyes · 01-26-2009, 04:12 PM

"love your enemies" ...

i do not consider my self to have enemies ...
i only feel oneness with all ...
i respect those who consider their selves as my enemy for they are my teachers and i have that much greater love for them ...
those that wish to harm me i do not engage in their energy ... i remain indifferent and neutral with them ...
i try not to allow ego to lead my way with others ...
not about "making" my self love others ...
it is about feeling it ...
no drama ...
simplicity ...
i follow my heart ...

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dantheman62

I have no enemies...

Hmmmm. Interesting.

Thanks!

Dantheman62 · 01-26-2009, 04:34 PM

HaHa I should say none that I know of! LOL!

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futureyes

i try not to allow ego to lead my way with others ...

This part resonates with me.

Thanks!

01-26-2009, 07:14 PM

How I love my enemy:

This is what works for me. I visualize a silver ribbon tied between my "enemy" and me... I surround us both with white light and then I imagine a very sharp pair of scissors and I cut the ribbon. Wave good bye.

Simplistic, I know, but since I've done that I have no enemies....

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathleen

How I love my enemy:

This is what works for me. I visualize a silver ribbon tied between my "enemy" and me... I surround us both with white light and then I imagine a very sharp pair of scissors and I cut the ribbon. Wave good bye.

Simplistic, I know, but since I've done that I have no enemies....

Very original!

Thanks.

recallone · 01-26-2009, 07:30 PM

The greeting namaste speaks volumes, I think.
The divine in me recognizes the divine in you.
There is no enemy, but rather a part of you that you don't prefer. To assist that part of you in becoming something that you do prefer, bathe it in love and detach from it/them. Bless and release.

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recallone

The greeting namaste speaks volumes, I think.
The divine in me recognizes the divine in you.
There is no enemy, but rather a part of you that you don't prefer. To assist that part of you in becoming something that you do prefer, bathe it in love and detach from it/them. Bless and release.

I think this is profound.

Thank you.

01-26-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seashore

Very original!

Thanks.

Ohhhh...I don't know about original.... It's basically the visualization of what Recallone says:

Quote:

To assist that part of you in becoming something that you do prefer, bathe it in love and detach from it/them. Bless and release.

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathleen

Ohhhh...I don't know about original.... It's basically the visualization of what Recallone says:

Your "white light" is Recallone's "love"...

Anchor · 01-26-2009, 09:28 PM

I attempt to love my enemies.

I dont really have enemies though, just a handful of 'interesting' people that present me with endless opportunities to improve myself.

To answer the OP specifically:

> If you are not a believer, can you just give your rationale?

Dont like that word 'beleiver'. My rationale is all is one, and that every person in my life is a reflected aspect of myself. To do anything other than love them would be, on the grander scheme of things, self-destructive.

> If you are a believer, can you explain what it means to love your enemy?
> Does it literally mean love them or does it just mean don't hate them?
> And can you give some examples of how you would show your feeling?

Love in this context is not about feeling. It is more about an "unconditional" state of acceptance, nurturing and support - etc. Love and light is all we are made of.

You are the love, you are the light of the one infinite creator. Just as I am.

A..

Seashore · 01-26-2009, 10:21 PM

Thanks, Anchor.

brutus35 · 01-27-2009, 12:26 AM

This is great, I just enjoyed reading the responses, and it wreaked of enlightment and purity of thought. Can't wait to one day meet some of you guys. And I concur, the only enemy is "FEAR"..Eliminate or obliterate fear, and life really takes off, because everything that remains is love and light.

Seashore · 01-27-2009, 01:05 AM

Thanks, brutus35!

THE eXchanger · 01-27-2009, 01:13 AM

absolutely -- send them lots of love

(if they attack me, my protection field,
sends them back three times, whatever they sent to me,
in love)

to them, love is a poison

and, yet, to us, those who are on the right road

love is, all there really is

love/susan
the eXchanger

01-26-2009, 12:19 PM	#1
Seashore Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 3,564	Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? I am interested in members' philosophy about this. If you are not a believer, can you just give your rationale? If you are a believer, can you explain what it means to love your enemy? Does it literally mean love them or does it just mean don't hate them? And can you give some examples of how you would show your feeling?

01-26-2009, 01:20 PM	#2
Delphi Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Scotland Posts: 126	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? Hi Seashore A very timely question. Love in the sense of recognizing our common humanity - yes. Love in the sense that we are all incarnate souls - yes. I am a believer but emphatically not a Christian. Love in the sense that my enemies have a lot to teach me and that I have drawn them into my life for a reason - yes. Love in the sense of respect and not seeking to harm - yes. Love in the senses of friendship, desire, trust, liking, affection - NO.

01-26-2009, 01:47 PM	#4
tone3jaguar Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: www.altimatrix.com Posts: 1,525	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? Love and light projected towards the forces of darkness is the only way to be done with them and not continue to manifest them back into your life. People do not want to belive that when they direct negative emotions at things that they actually manifest more of it into thier life. I made this mistake over and over again for at least 5 years. My ego wanted more to win than to take a percieved weak stance on the matter. Once my ego got the hell out of the way, it was easy to see the solution. There is not a single specific common spiritual paradigm that does not incorperate this into its teachings. There is a reason for that. The reason is that by universal law this is the way it works.

01-26-2009, 01:56 PM	#5
Baggywrinkle Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? I love my enemies for hate is counter productive to my own well being. Yet I struggle with the concept of perfect pacifism. When it comes to my family I could not stand by and pray while they were hurt. As the old joke says; " Sir, I would not hurt thee for the world, but thou standist where I am about to shoot!" You don't need to hate them to fight them. You just want them to stop and go in peace. If they refuse then you help them along.

01-26-2009, 03:14 PM	#8
rhythm Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: devon england Posts: 1,905	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? True love has no enemys The only enemy?is FEAR... If you trully love your self dont you also know there is no other ! :w ub2:

01-26-2009, 04:12 PM	#10
Dantheman62 Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: So. Cal. U.S. Posts: 4,205	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? I have no enemies, the only real true enemies I would ever have is the ones about to inflict harm on me or someone close to me. Then would I love my enemies.... not a chance.

01-26-2009, 04:12 PM	#11
futureyes Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: heart central Posts: 798	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? "love your enemies" ... i do not consider my self to have enemies ... i only feel oneness with all ... i respect those who consider their selves as my enemy for they are my teachers and i have that much greater love for them ... those that wish to harm me i do not engage in their energy ... i remain indifferent and neutral with them ... i try not to allow ego to lead my way with others ... not about "making" my self love others ... it is about feeling it ... no drama ... simplicity ... i follow my heart ...

01-26-2009, 04:34 PM	#13
Dantheman62 Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: So. Cal. U.S. Posts: 4,205	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? HaHa I should say none that I know of! LOL!

01-26-2009, 07:14 PM	#15
Kathleen Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? How I love my enemy: This is what works for me. I visualize a silver ribbon tied between my "enemy" and me... I surround us both with white light and then I imagine a very sharp pair of scissors and I cut the ribbon. Wave good bye. Simplistic, I know, but since I've done that I have no enemies.... Last edited by Kathleen; 01-26-2009 at 07:16 PM.

01-26-2009, 07:30 PM	#17
recallone Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 289	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? The greeting namaste speaks volumes, I think. The divine in me recognizes the divine in you. There is no enemy, but rather a part of you that you don't prefer. To assist that part of you in becoming something that you do prefer, bathe it in love and detach from it/them. Bless and release.

01-26-2009, 09:28 PM	#21
Anchor Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 2,280	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? I attempt to love my enemies. I dont really have enemies though, just a handful of 'interesting' people that present me with endless opportunities to improve myself. To answer the OP specifically: > If you are not a believer, can you just give your rationale? Dont like that word 'beleiver'. My rationale is all is one, and that every person in my life is a reflected aspect of myself. To do anything other than love them would be, on the grander scheme of things, self-destructive. > If you are a believer, can you explain what it means to love your enemy? > Does it literally mean love them or does it just mean don't hate them? > And can you give some examples of how you would show your feeling? Love in this context is not about feeling. It is more about an "unconditional" state of acceptance, nurturing and support - etc. Love and light is all we are made of. You are the love, you are the light of the one infinite creator. Just as I am. A..

01-26-2009, 10:21 PM	#22
Seashore Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 3,564	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? Thanks, Anchor.

01-27-2009, 12:26 AM	#23
brutus35 Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Stone Mountain, GA Posts: 107	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? This is great, I just enjoyed reading the responses, and it wreaked of enlightment and purity of thought. Can't wait to one day meet some of you guys. And I concur, the only enemy is "FEAR"..Eliminate or obliterate fear, and life really takes off, because everything that remains is love and light.

01-27-2009, 01:05 AM	#24
Seashore Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 3,564	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? Thanks, brutus35!

01-27-2009, 01:13 AM	#25
THE eXchanger Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Spiritual eXplorer-Canada Posts: 4,915	Re: Are You a Believer in "Love Your Enemies"? absolutely -- send them lots of love (if they attack me, my protection field, sends them back three times, whatever they sent to me, in love) to them, love is a poison and, yet, to us, those who are on the right road love is, all there really is love/susan the eXchanger