One of the great moral commands of The Bible is that you should love your enemies and pray for them.The command is to become closer to God, who causes his sun to rise on the good and the bad.How do you translate this command into your daily life?It is possible to show compassion and forgiveness towards your enemies for yourself.
Step 1: Think about what made you enemies.
It is necessary to consider these painful memories in order to change your thinking.What role did you play?How long have you had bad feelings for each other?You can make peace with your enemies by remembering these things.
Step 2: Have reasonable expectations.
When you hear the phrase "love your enemies", it doesn't mean you have to love them the same way you love your friends or family, but it does mean that you should be able to treat them equally.Understand that you need more time.If your enemy has hurt you so much that you can't forgive them, it might take a long time.
Step 3: Accept that you won't get an apology.
You might think that your enemies will have to apologize for their actions against you in order to truly forgive you.This gives your enemy a lot of power.Forgiveness and loving your enemy is more about benefiting yourself than it is about them.
Step 4: Learn about the health benefits of forgiveness.
Lower blood pressure, improved symptoms, and even a boost in your immune system are some of the things that can be experienced when you forgive someone.Your mental well being can be improved by letting go of bitterness.
Step 5: Forgiveness can be made a choice.
When you feel resentful towards your enemy, stop and think about something positive.Think about how you have grown as a person from your experiences with your enemy.You keep yourself in the position of a victim when you indulge in resentful thoughts.They can have power over your thoughts.If you can't love them at first, try to ignore them or think of them in a neutral light.
Step 6: Understand your enemy.
You may have been hurt by them in the past, but try to see the world through their perspective.What experiences may have influenced their behavior?Are they going through something you don't know about?
Step 7: Be aware of your own faults.
Think of times when you've said something that was not appropriate.Would you like to be forgiven in a similar situation?Have you been forgiven in the past?How did that person feel about you?
Step 8: Keep a record of your thoughts.
Write down your feelings in a journal if you find yourself resentful.If you're a religious person, you might want to pray out loud so you can hear your thoughts.
Step 9: Reconsider your relationship.
If your enemy is a co-worker, then try to view every interaction you have with them as an opportunity to mend the rift between you.Inform them of the developments in their life and be kind with them.If you don't want to reconcile with your enemy, at least look at your interactions as a way to maintain a basic level of respect.When you see them, greet them and congratulate them when they have a major milestone.
Step 10: You can volunteer for a cause.
If you have suffered a major trauma, such as the murder of a family member, volunteering for victim advocacy groups can help you find peace.You will be connected to other people who have been hurt in the same way.You can turn to a community for support.
Step 11: It is important to cultivate healthy friends.
One of the best ways to love your enemy is to focus on positive relationships.If you want to get to know someone better, ask them for a cup of coffee or a drink after work.Hiking groups, photography clubs, and writing workshops are some of the groups you can join.You can search for groups in libraries or community centers.
Step 12: You can take advantage of counseling.
Counseling from a therapist can help you develop trust and learn how to heal from betrayal if you find yourself having trouble trusting new friends.Strategies for navigating the process of forgiveness and moving on from the pain of your interactions with your enemy can be given by a therapist.