Love Your Enemies

President Dallin H. Oaks opening message was profound by stating the current situation in which we live in a time of anger and hatred. He was referring to the destructing protest and campaigns that were happening in the United States which is also happening in other countries of the world.

Love Your Enemies

by President Dallin H. Oaks

It is no different here in Malaysia, with the sudden changed of the government last year had resulted the hatred which was propaganda by the political statements issued by different political parties. These hatred raised among the different races and especially religions as well.

I felt blessed as I proud to be a Malaysian because Malaysia consists of all races and we live harmony despite so many different cultures, languages, and people. It is just like a big melting pot which we are respect to each other culture and live harmony. And we learn from each other.

Unfortunately the recent political changes and trends just showed to the people how certain politicians whom are greed and crazy for powers can bring so much destruction to the country’s economy and people’s living. But that is not the topic today.

Savior taught,

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you”

President Gordon B. Hinckley also reminded us that loving our enemies and our adversaries is not easy.

“Most of us have not reached that stage of … love and forgiveness. It requires a self-discipline almost greater than we are capable of.”

But it must be essential, for it is part of the Savior’s two great commandments to “love the Lord thy God” and to “love thy neighbour as thyself”. And it must be possible, for He also taught, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find”.

“So, we are to follow the laws of men (render unto Caesar) to live peacefully under civil authority, and we follow the laws of God toward our eternal destination. But how do we do this—especially how do we learn to love our adversaries and our enemies?”

How do we learn to love our adversaries and our enemies?

The Savior’s teaching not to “contend with anger” is a good first step

• “The devil is the father of contention, and it is he who tempts men to contend with anger. He promotes enmity and hateful relationships among individuals and within groups.
• President Thomas S. Monson taught that anger is “Satan’s tool,” for “to be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan. No one can make us angry. It is our choice.”
• Anger is the way to division and enmity. We move toward loving our adversaries when we avoid anger and hostility toward those with whom we disagree. It also helps if we are even willing to learn from them.”

To understand and relate to people of a different culture

• “We should try getting to know them… In countless circumstances, strangers’ suspicion or even hostility give way to friendship or even love when personal contacts produce understanding and mutual respect.”

To seek to understand the power of love

• “Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “it is a time-honoured adage that love begets love. Let us pour forth love—show forth our kindness unto all mankind.”
• President Howard W. Hunter taught: “The world in which we live would benefit greatly if men and women everywhere would exercise the pure love of Christ, which is kind, meek, and lowly. It is without envy or pride. … It seeks nothing in return. … It has no place for bigotry, hatred, or violence. … It encourages diverse people to live together in Christian love regardless of religious belief, race, nationality, financial standing, education, or culture.”
• President Russell M. Nelson has urged us to “expand our circle of love to embrace the whole human family.”

An essential part of loving our enemies is to render unto Caesar by keeping the laws of our various countries

• “Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land.
• “Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be”

Articles of Faith 1:12

• “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honouring, and sustaining the law”

He closed this talk with his testimony that the Lord has taught him that it is possible to obey and seek to improve our nation's laws and also to love our adversaries and our enemies.

To love our enemies is not something new to me, but to love my adversaries is something caught me eyes. Most of the time, there are so many occasions or situations or may be trials that just came and I hate that moments of my personal life, that situation of my family had put me through which gave me insecure feelings. And that tried my faith to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

It is so hard to control what I think or to control my mind and heart not to get angry and feel hopeless. Most of the time, I would just swallowed and cry to release those tensions which would helps me feel a little better. Eventually, after the whole ‘episodes’ of the trials through, I would write down and at that time I would able to see how these events have brought me closer and see the Lord’s hand in my life.

Even till now while I am writing this, I am facing the shortage of some financial that I might not able to pull through by end of next month. With my pay cut after the impact of the Covid-19 still not yet fully recovered and the monthly extra monies from EPF I-Lestari have been ended last month. With the current commitment of the hire-purchase instalment, housing loan, medical insurance for both my children and myself that need to be fulfilled every month, and the food expenses that now I have reach to my bottle neck and hardly breath!

Sometimes I will think of the blessings and the windows of heaven that promised to those whom committed to pay a full tithes, I would wonder where is that little window?

But I know that I need to be patience be grateful what I have now and believe that He is there and knows what I need. I know that He lives and Jesus is the Christ and is my Redeemer! Amen.