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My Enemy

Often we view our enemies as an obstacle in our path, and probably they are, but what if they are also a means by which we become stronger? If we had no enemies would we have to develop self-control, dampen our pride or look to turn the other cheek? If you have mastered the ability to 'Love Thy Enemy' then you have truly mastered self.

This thread has been started for you to share life experiences of how you conquered yourself through conquering an enemy. Please keep this to personal experiences and not experiences of others. Thanks.

Enemy My

It has not yet been my experience, at least in adulthood, to have a particular enemy. Although I'm working on a situation at my job currently, I can't really call that person an "enemy." We just don't really get along. But I've been trying to be humble, to make the first move to smooth ruffled feathers, and it seems to be working, so far, to maintain civility. In spite of what happened, it's not worth having difficulty on the job to continue to be angry about anything.

It's not something I've mastered.

Roz

My Enemy Studies Doctrine Mormon

I had a lot of enemies in Junior High and High School, as I guess most nerdy kids do. Eventually I stopped retailiating back at them, and tried to show genuine concnern and care for them. Eventually many of them came to view me quite favorably, and the think of me as a friend. I think it helped me out quite a bit too, of course there are also still lots of negative effects from it, but I'm working on those.

Enemy My

I always prided myself in not having enemies. I was always the peacemaker and could get along with anyone. Until one day I heard Pres. Hinckley say if we don't have enemies, we are doing something wrong. It was then I realized I was trying to please everyone including the Devil. As the saying goes, some of us try to please God without offending Satan.

So, we should learn to love our enemies, just not join them.

Enemy My

I think its exactly when we offend Satan, that we know we are doing really well. So if you get a battering, I don't think anyone should think there's anything unusually wrong with them. As Jack Christianson (a stake President somewhere in America) said: "Satan don't kick no dead dogs." If we don't offend Satan it is clear we are not really making progress the way that Heavenly Father wants us to. As we set ourselves to do good constantly we must go through the process of opposition and trial, as sure as we are bunched with tares - but it is the way we endure, that is the real test. Didn't Paul say that we should rejoice when earth and hell combine against us, that we are worthy to stand? This world is not our home, we are away at school, and we need to be tested, learning exactly how to deal with evil, so that we can become a part of our Father's plan.