Matthew 5:43-44 illustrates Jesus saying, "You have heard that it was said, 'you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.'"
This is part of the Word of God that might cause us to think, "I do not desire to keep this directive from our Lord and Savior." However, if you lived in Israel, even now during the war they are fighting, you would witness this every day. Yes, even now, a surgeon living in Israel was asked, "If a terrorist who was injured was brought to you for treatment, would you treat him?" The surgeon replied, "Absolutely, YES!"
We will explore this question further by looking at daily life in Israel. Israel is described as a Pluralistic Democracy which gives equal rights to all including Arabs. They have more freedom in Israel than any other country in the Middle East. For example, Arabs living in Israel can become citizens meaning they vote in elections and elect members to the Knesset which is the governing body of Israel.
Arab women living in Israel have more freedom than any Arab country since they can attend any school, college or university. This is not the case in traditional Arab societies because it reduces male authority and respect. This raises the question, "Do Israelites living in Arab countries have similar rights and freedoms?" NO!
By the way, the Old Covenant also declares in the Torah that we should love our enemies. Leviticus 19:18 says, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Let us all love our enemies using Israel as our example.
Blessings,
Frank
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